Planners behind the Star of Caledonia project are actively seeking the input of residents in Dumfriesshire. The proposed land art sculpture, with an estimated cost of £11 million, is set to be built near the Famous Blacksmith’s Shop at Gretna Green. The Star of Caledonia Trust has enlisted the services of ekosgen, a company tasked with gathering opinions from the wider community in Gretna Green, Dumfries, and Galloway.
The focus of the research is to engage with locals regarding the activities surrounding the planned construction of the land art sculpture along the M74, in addition to soliciting feedback on a proposed visitor and education hub. The trust envisions the hub as a valuable addition to the tourism landscape in Gretna Green. An online survey has been launched, complementing a previous public meeting aimed at collecting valuable insights from various stakeholders.
The Star of Caledonia landmark, standing at £11 million, targets commencing construction near the M74 within the upcoming year. Anticipated to welcome visitors by spring 2027, the landmark aims to attract around 200,000 guests in its inaugural year. The project is being funded through a combination of public and private sources, with significant contributions pledged by CWP Energy. Originally priced at £4.8 million over two decades ago, the project faced setbacks due to financial constraints.
The shifted location for construction is now earmarked for a field off the B7076, adjacent to the M74 and opposite The Smiths Hotel. Support for the initiative has been secured from entities including the wind farm operator, the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, and South of Scotland Enterprise. The commissioned illuminated star design by Cecil Balmond pays homage to James Clark Maxwell, a renowned Scottish scientist from the region. Standing at 33 meters tall, the structure is set to be illuminated by 553 rods and 106 lights, creating a captivating glow visible from the motorway.
Moreover, plans entail the development of a visitor centre linked to the sculpture through a connecting walking route. The visitor centre is slated to serve as a gateway to promote tourist trails, with construction earmarked for a later phase. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to reach out to ekosgen’s project manager, Ross Mawhinney, for any inquiries or feedback. Alternatively, contact the survey developer Ines Mackenzie-Hardy. A dedicated website has been launched for more information at https://www.thestarofcaledonia.org/.
In summary, the Star of Caledonia project in Dumfriesshire is progressing towards realizing its £11 million landmark, seeking valuable community input for a comprehensive and engaging visitor experience. With a strong emphasis on local engagement, the project aims to enhance the tourism landscape in the region, paying tribute to Scotland’s scientific legacy through an innovative and visually striking installation.