The £40,000 replacement of one of Aberdeen’s most iconic landmarks has been unveiled.
Wooden effigies of Scottish folk hero Rob Roy have stood guard at the bridge over Culter Burn since around 1850.
A number of different statues have been erected and replaced at the site over the years due to weather damage, vandalism – and even target practice by the Territorial Army before World War I.
The most recent sculpture, which had been in place for 25 years, was finally retired last year after the polychrome carved wood was found to be full of rot.
And now, after months of planning by the Rob Roy Preservation Trust committee, work is under way on a new statue which artist David Mitchell says will stand the test of time and stay true to Culter’s heritage.
Mr Mitchell, 25, is based in Glasgow and graduated from Gray’s two years ago.
He said: “I’m really excited, there’s been lots of research into this.
“The committee wanted a really authentic Rob Roy, so there’s been a lot of thought and research into his history and background.
“I came up with a whole bunch of different designs, which were put to the committee and then they suggested little tweaks to ensure that it’s fitting in with the tradition of the piece that’s traditionally been at the bridge.
“After that we’ve made small models, and now we’re working on the big one.
“It’s going to be made of resin, in the old school Michelangelo method.
“It’s a plastic composite, so this new statue will hopefully last a lot longer than previous statues.
“Depending on how well it’s cared for, it could last up to 150 years.”
The Rob Roy Preservation Trust confirmed the statue should be back on the rock in the summer of this year.
The trust is now trying to raise around £40,000 to cover the cost of the project.
A spokesperson said: “Our huge challenge is now to raise the considerable funds needed to complete the project and we hope that the generosity of local residents and businesses will help us reach our goal.”
