Star of Caledonia: Landmark funding 'struggle' ongoing

Talks in the next few months should clarify who is willing to invest in the project

The team behind a landmark sculpture at the Scotland-England border says it faces a key couple of months in securing the £5m needed for the scheme.

The Star of Caledonia at Gretna already has planning approval and the aim is to begin construction next year.

Project director Jan Hogarth admitted it had been a "long struggle" to try to secure support but she was confident that they were "getting there".

She said they had been talking to a range of potential investors.

"The next couple of months are going to be really important to us in securing funding for it," she said.

"It is a huge, huge opportunity for Dumfries and Galloway to shine around the world."

'Clearer idea'

A recent study claimed the landmark, designed by Charles Jencks and Cecil Balmond, could be worth £16m to the local economy in its first year alone.

However, Ms Hogarth said there was still work to be done to ensure the project went ahead.

"We are talking to a number of public and private potential funders," she said.

"We are hoping that by October or November we will have a clearer idea of who is going to invest what in the project.

"I think it is important we all advocate it and fight for it and make it happen for our region."