November 19 2019

Sculptor Andy Scott has paid tribute to naturalist John Muir with the unveiling of a dramatic 5m tall steel bear in his hometown of Dunbar, East Lothian.

Rising from a wildflower garden the striking piece dominates the Spott Roundabout off the A1 and doubles as a signifier of the wider Hallhill development, which will ultimately deliver 1,200 new homes set amidst 56 acres of woodland.

Built from welded steel plates fabricated to be thicker at the base to provide structural integrity the sculpture will be accessible to visitors via a walkway and floodlit at night for added effect.

Scott said: “It is fantastic to see this sculpture finally being erected as part of the Hallhill development, especially in memory of such an influential character as John Muir, which is particularly apt given today's focus on the environment.

"This bear sculpture will provide an opportunity to enlighten people about the man and his work. It is a symbol of the wilderness John Muir was such a passionate advocate of and is testament to his incredible desire to protect the natural environment."

Muir is remembered as a decisive voice in establishing US National Parks with the bear complementing existing attractions such as John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar and the John Muir Way walking trail.

 

9 Comments

#1 Posted by Brandwagon on 19 Nov 2019 at 13:51 PM

Lovely... A 5m tall steel bear on a roundabout next to Asda, MacDonalds and some crap suburban housing.
Yes, particularly apt given today's focus on the environment.

#2 Posted by FLW on 19 Nov 2019 at 14:31 PM

Typical positive UR comments welcome

#3 Posted by BawbagBoris on 19 Nov 2019 at 16:36 PM

Think of it this way, would you prefer to see a 5m tall bear on a roundabout or not see a 5m tall bear on a roundabout... the bear can't rectify that housing. It's not bears fault, he's just the innocent party here.

#4 Posted by classarchitect on 19 Nov 2019 at 16:40 PM

A bit of a one trick Kelpie that guy...

#5 Posted by Trombe Wall on 19 Nov 2019 at 17:12 PM

I'd prefer a bare roundabout.

#6 Posted by BawbagBoris on 19 Nov 2019 at 17:13 PM

Bear with me... I'll think of a pun soon. Och you lot all are unbearable

#7 Posted by Neil McAllister on 19 Nov 2019 at 17:17 PM

classarchitect - I must admit I had thought that but he does other things as well - such as the bronze elephant in Princes Street Garden. But once you get famous for doing something people will always want you to do more of the same - whether you want to or not.

#8 Posted by BawbagBoris on 19 Nov 2019 at 17:23 PM

#5 Bare lies.

#9 Posted by 7yrsatuni on 20 Nov 2019 at 12:59 PM

Wherever I wander, wherever I roam
I couldn't be fonder of my big home
The bees are buzzin' in the tree
To make some honey just for me
When you look under the rocks and plants
Take a glance at the fancy ants
Then maybe try a few
The bare necessities of life will come to you

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