Nicky Wilson: 'We are small, but mighty when it comes to art'

Any kind of sculpture that is going to be put on top of one of Charles Jencks' mounds has to be a very strong visual statement, and I can see that Cecil Balmond's design works well with the landform around it in the Gretna area.

It's very good to see that the winning entry is so powerful in terms of the statement it makes, and from looking at the design on paper, I would say it is probably going to be very successful - although obviously there are challenges in how it is actually made and its functionality.

I feel that the whole Gretna Landmark project is of enormous importance to the country. It is a scheme that goes beyond Gretna and the south of Scotland. It is a link between Scotland and England and it highlights that we are a cultural force to be reckoned with.

It is important that the transition between the two countries is marked, and for it be done with great artists like Jencks involved is fantastic.

The whole idea of having the sculpture at the Border is a strong signifier to people of how seriously we take our contemporary culture. It shows that even though we are a small nation, we are really very mighty when it comes to contemporary art.

• Nicky Wilson is founder of the Jupiter Artland sculpture park