Find, save and share Public Notices that affect you in the area.
Search the Public Notice Portal What is the Public Notice Portal?What is the Public Notice Portal?
The Public Notice Portal carries statutory public notices published in local newspapers and is the fastest and most effective way of finding out what is happening in YOUR neighbourhood.
Search the Public Notice PortalPLANS have been submitted for a major Borders sculpture which hopes to become an international cultural landmark set to rival the Angel of the North.
The Star of Caledonia in Gretna Green project aims to create a new 'regional, national and international' cultural landmark and visitor destination for the Scotland- England Border, located at Gretna Green.
It will consist of an illuminated 33m high steel sculpture, designed by Cecil Balmond OBE, along with the provision of a visitor hub, a landscaped viewing platform and car parking.
The illuminated sculpture will stand in a 'naturalistic' landscaped 39-acre site, which will be fully accessible to all and will integrate renewables, education, nature and biodiversity in order to 'celebrate Scottish innovation'.
The Star of Caledonia aims to attract around 200,000 to 250,000 visitors per year, and will form a new destination and stopping point, encouraging visitors to explore the region’s natural and cultural heritage offerings.
READ MORE: Borderlands back plans for new site for £11million Star of Caledonia
The majority of the funds are being donated by CWP Energy.
Chair of the trustees Lucy Houston said:” I am delighted that the Star of Caledonia has today reached a milestone on its very long journey, and I am relieved to see it move to planning in memory of my late husband Alasdair Houston.
"As a Trust, we are working very hard behind the scenes, pulling together feasibility, revenue and business models. We are planning to start construction next spring, with a 12 -15 month build - meaning that the Star of Caledonia will be up and open in Spring 2027 - a full 25 years after its original conception.”
Local residents in Gretna Green and Springfield have been 'supportive' of the scheme, for which the trustees said they are grateful.
“We are excited to see the Star of Caledonia get a new home, as the project is not just about a landmark sculpture but as a catalyst for tourism, local economies, and community pride," said Lucy.
Investors CWP Energy said that they were 'looking forward' to see the project which they think will be a 'catalyst' for tourism and the expansion of the Borders economy.
Rod Wood, managing director at CWP Energy, said: “The Star of Caledonia is a unique, special project that embodies Scotland’s history of innovation and we are proud to be playing our part to see this sculptural landmark installed at Gretna Green."
The total cost of the project is around £10m with The Trust working to secure the public element of the funding. The Star is a not-for-profit charity, with all money raised, invested back into the project and the local community.
The new plans, which will now be decided by Dumfries and Galloway Council, include a visitor hub, which will highlight attractions out to the west, as well as along the Border, including Hadrian's Wall, and east into the Scottish Borders - 'creating a synergy that enhances the overall appeal of Southern Scotland'.
Share