The meeting of two communities: Creating a spectacular and unique lasting tribute to the legendary Megan Boyd and the exquisite art of salmon fly-tying

What can be said about the legendary Megan Boyd, her humble life, eccentricity, prized skills and incredible fly-tying legacy that has not already been shared or written about?

She may have lived in and created her works of art in Brora, a small community rich in history, in the Northern Highlands of Scotland, but her life, work and sought after creations had a huge impact on the fly fishing community. You will find articles not only in The Times, The Telegraph, The BBC and popular fishing publications in the UK, but also tributes in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The American Museum of Fly Fishing.

When you add HRH King Charles as a friend and customer when he fished in the Highlands as a Prince, and American film director, Eric Steel, being hooked by her story, you would think there would be a special place where she was commemorated. A place where her contribution to the pride of her local community and wider fly-fishing community would be immortalised for all to see and celebrate as they pass. A landmark, something to inspire people, perhaps the next generation, to learn, explore and preserve the craft she loved.

Choose any river within a short journey of where she lived - the Brora, Helmsdale, Naver, Oykel, Cassley, Shin or Carron and, despite it being almost impossible to find a fisherman that has not heard the name Megan Boyd, tragically, there has not been so much as a statue raised or plaque unveiled anywhere in Sutherland. That is - until now!

Clyne Heritage Society is now moving forward with a permanent tribute. To celebrate what Megan meant to her local community, the fishing community and the incredible artistry of fly-tying. A 5m-high sculpture of one of Megan's flies also called The Megan Boyd is currently in fabrication and is due to be unveiled in front of the new Brora Heritage Centre in August.

For local sculpture designer and fabricator, Jon Asanga, who is leading the project, it has been essential that the sculpture and tribute is built and raised within and by the very communities that her life and work has touched the most. For him, that is what creates pride which lasts in those communities for generations.

Local people have answered the call and offered support. Feathers have been provided from a retired fly-tyer in Brora, and from Helmsdale, a selection of Megan's flies have been loaned. These have helped Jon understand the intricacies of a fly, and how best to represent Jungle Cock, Barred Wood Duck, Green and Orange Parrot and White Ostrich Herl feathers in the sculpture.

Facilities have been provided and a production team, comprised of metalworkers, welders, painters, and other trades, all living in or with connections to the community have been assembled. This means that the whole sculpture will be built in the Highlands, something Megan, who immersed herself in community life, would have very much approved.

( 1of 2 Megan Boyd fly images being used as inspiration for the sculpture)

(2 of 2 Megan Boyd fly images being used as inspiration for the sculpture)

The society is now reaching out to enable Megan's other community, the fishing community to contribute. A fundraising target of only £30,000 ($40,000) has been launched, to help take the project over the line and erect this lasting tribute.

If you are able to make a contribution to support this community fundraise and lasting tribute, please donate through the 'Give Now' buttons on this page.