A replica of the 30 foot bronze statue commemorating the Highland Clearances is being cast and shipped to the Canadian City of Winnipeg.

'The Emigrants' memorial in the Sutherland town of Helmsdale was originally cast by Highland foundry Black Isle Bronze in 2003.

Founder of Black Isle Bronze, Farquhar Laing (37), received the request for the replica of the three-figure statue from the St Andrew's Society in Winnipeg several months ago.

Laing said: "We're delighted with the commission - it's a big piece involving four tonnes of bronze. We're especially pleased to be picking up work from across the Atlantic; there's also a possibility of another replica memorial being commissioned by an organisation in Nova Scotia."

Laing established the foundry in 1994 on the Black Isle before moving into purpose built premises on the outskirts of Nairn in 2002 with the help of a development grant from the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network.

Black Isle Bronze now employs eight full-time members of staff, including two metal workers, a mould maker, a welder and sand moulder; the most recent recruit joining the foundry from Poland.

Further commissions the foundry is currently working on include two statues for Newcastle Football Club of Alan Shearer and Jackie Milburn; and a statue of Bob Dylan for a private client.

A recently completed commission saw the Highland company collaborate with sculptor Sandy Stoddart and British builder Sir Robert McAlpine on a Robert Adam designed building in Picadilly, London. Black Isle Bronze supplied all
66 cast bronze elements of the eight storey structure.

Robert Adam said: "We were delighted to be working with Black Isle Bronze to ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship. The combination of a Paisley sculptor and an Inverness foundry brought the art and craft of Scotland to the most important thoroughfare of London."

Farquhar said: "We wouldn't be where we are today if it wasn't for the help we've received from HIE; their support has enabled me to grow the business, develop my workforce and to access the global marketplace."

The replica of The Emigrants, to be called the Scottish Highland Settlers Monument, will be unveiled in Winnipeg this summer.