Star of Caledonia landmark on Scotland-England border seeks approval

A report to the council says the aim of the landmark is to turn crossing the border into a "memorable experience"

Planning officials are recommending approval for the Star of Caledonia public artwork, which would mark the Scotland-England border at Gretna.

Dumfries and Galloway Council will meet next week to decide the project's fate.

No objections have been lodged to the scheme, designed by Cecil Balmond and Charles Jencks, costing more than £4m.

A report to the council says the aim of the landmark is to turn crossing the border into a "memorable experience" while also raising the area's profile.

Mr Balmond's design was selected as the preferred option for the site in July 2011.

Last year Creative Scotland awarded the project development funding in order to work up a bid for £1m support.

'Important gateway'

A report to Dumfries and Galloway Council describes it as an "unusual application" as the intention of the sculpture is to be "prominent in the landscape".

"The site has been specifically selected as an important gateway to Scotland, by both road and rail, and as such, is considered a suitable location for a focal feature," it added.

The proposed design stands approximately about 130ft (40m) high, which is twice as tall as the Angel of the North near Gateshead.

It is also significantly higher than the Kelpies public artwork being built between Falkirk and Grangemouth.

It will be lit by LEDs at the tips of the structure, but the council has asked for more detail on how much light they will emit as a condition of any approval.