A SCULPTURE which was used to prop open a shed door could be sold for around £3million.
The valuable bust of Highland landowner Sir John Gordon was nabbed for £5 by Invergordon Town Council in the 1930s.
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The sculpture was made by French artist Edmé Bouchardon in 1728 – who created sculptures for the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.
It then disappeared before reemerging on an industrial estate in 1998 being used to open a shed door.
Highland Council, who now own the bust, revealed they have been approached by an overseas buyer, via auction company Sotheby’s, to purchase the sculpture for upwards of £2.5m, the BBC reported.
Easter Ross committee will meet next Monday to discuss the bid.
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In a report to the committee, members were urged to consider a variety of points before deciding whether or not to sell the bust.
The report said: “This will include seeking views from the Invergordon community.
“A number of points need careful consideration in reaching any decision and, if required, the experts at Sotheby’s are prepared to meet members to discuss, advise and answer any questions.”
Any sale would be given to the Invergordon Common Good Fund.
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The fund provides grant assistance to projects in the town and surrounding areas.
Art historian Dr Bendor Grosvenor told BBC Radio Scotland it would be sad if the artwork ended up overseas.
He said: “Here is this work of art that has fallen into the lap of Highland Council for no money at all and it seems all they want to do is sell it for a lot of money to someone outside Scotland, when really there is no reason they can’t lend it to Inverness Museum or National Galleries of Scotland or National Museum of Scotland.”
It comes after an “exceptionally rare” £5 note was found and sold for an eyewatering price.
The banknote dating back to July 12 1900 has been bought at auction for £32,000 – 6,400 times its original value.
