Light fantastic

The long-awaited 10 metre high (32.5ft) sculpture, which was unveiled in August, now has her own individual brand of illumination.

And it's all without an old-fashioned floodlight in sight.

For silver lady Arria boasts her own individual glow after being lit from within!

Over the course of a repeating 48-minute cycle, the so-called "gradual lighting" will slowly change colour from white to blue, then to pink, yellow, orange and green before returning to white.

The light seeps through and reflects against the metal segments, highlighting the textures in the design, allowing Arria to step out of the darkness!

Overlooking the M80, Arria is thought to be seen by an amazing 70,000 motorists per day, in a move designed to put Cumbernauld on the map.

The switch-on, which took place last night (Tuesday) is bound to make an even bigger impression on all who gaze upon her.

Arria can even lay claim to an international fanbase as she has her own page on social networking site Facebook - and many of her ''friends'' had been keen to know when she would be fully lit up.

Now the waiting is over, much to the delight of her creator Andy Scott.

He said: "Arria was born and evolved due to a great team effort from everyone involved and I think she looks fantastic.

"I've been blown away by the attention she has received, and it has been great to get such a positive reaction from the public, not only in the UK, but across the world," he added.

Arria is part of the so-called Cumbernauld Positive Image Project and is the brainchild of Campsies Centre Cumbernauld Ltd.

This is a North Lanarkshire Council company set up to facilitate the redevelopment of the town.

Chairman Councillor Gerry McElroy said: "Arria has been an outstanding success and has really put Cumbernauld on the map for all the right reasons.

"She looks absolutely stunning during the day and the lighting means people can now appreciate her 24 hours a day," he said.