Star of Caledonia planners seek views of Dumfriesshire residents

Planners behind the Star of Caledonia project are actively seeking input from residents in Dumfriesshire, as they aim to kickstart the construction of the £11 million landmark in the near future. The proposed land art sculpture, set to be located near Dumfriesshire’s Famous Blacksmith’s Shop at Gretna Green, has garnered the attention of the public. The Star of Caledonia Trust has enlisted the services of a company called ekosgen to gather opinions and engage with the wider community of Gretna Green, Dumfries, and Galloway.

The focus of this outreach is to gather feedback on the activities planned for the land art sculpture along the M74, as well as on the proposed visitor and education hub that would complement the landmark. The trust envisions the hub as a significant addition to the tourism landscape in Gretna Green. Through an online survey and public meetings, ekosgen is actively engaging with various stakeholders such as tourists, local businesses, community groups, and education providers to shape the project.

The £11 million Star of Caledonia project aims to commence construction adjacent to the M74 within the coming year, with a target opening date for visitors set for spring 2027. Funding for the project is a combination of public and private sources, with major contributions from CWP Energy. Originally conceived over two decades ago with a price tag of £4.8 million, the project faced setbacks due to financial constraints but has now secured funding from multiple sources.

Designed by Cecil Balmond, the 33-metre-tall illuminated star pays tribute to the groundbreaking work of Scottish scientist James Clark Maxwell. With its prominent location visible from the motorway, the sculpture is set to become a notable landmark taller than the Angel Of The North in Gateshead. Plans also include a visitor centre connected to the sculpture via a walking route, serving as a gateway to promote tourist trails.

For those interested in contributing their views or inquiries about the project, they are encouraged to reach out to the project manager, Ross Mawhinney, or the survey developer, Ines Mackenzie-Hardy. A dedicated website has been established for further information and updates.

In summary, the Star of Caledonia project is not only a significant addition to the cultural landscape of Dumfriesshire but also an impressive tribute to Scotland’s scientific legacy. By actively involving the community in the planning process, the project aims to create a landmark that resonates with locals and visitors alike, fostering tourism and economic growth in the region. With a blend of public and private funding secured, the future looks promising for this ambitious endeavour.