Tag: DunBear sculpture

DunBear Sculpture lit blue and white to mark Battle of Dunbar

Today (3rd September) lights at The DunBear will alternate between blue and white to commemorate the Battle of Dunbar (1650).

The Battle of Dunbar was fought between the English New Model Army, under Oliver Cromwell, and a Scottish army commanded by David Leslie, on 3 September 1650 near Dunbar.

The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the English. It was the first major battle of the 1650 invasion of Scotland, which was triggered by Scotland’s acceptance of Charles II as king of Britain after the beheading of his father, Charles I on 30 January 1649.

The five-metre high DunBear steel sculpture, designed by Andy Scott (who also designed the Kelpies), was erected in 2019 and is the focal point for the DunBear Park low carbon mixed-use development located beside the A1 at Dunbar. 

The bear was erected as a tribute to John Muir, the Dunbar-born naturalist and conservationist emigrated to America with his family.

He travelled extensively throughout the country, later helping to form the Sierra Club which has gone on to be one of the largest environmental organisations in the world. It is lit-up at various points throughout the year, including the birthday of John Muir in April (blue and white), Remembrance Day (when it is illuminated red) and St Andrew’s Day (blue and white).

John Muir petitioned the President and Congress to form National Parks and through this Yosemite and other National Parks were eventually established.

It is because of National Parks that certain species, such as the brown bear, have survived and thrived.

Ken Ross from Hallhill Developments Limited commented: “Being in such a prominent position at the gateway to Dunbar, the stunning DunBear sculpture provides the perfect opportunity to commemorate key events such as the Battle of Dunbar.

“The DunBear has become a much-loved piece of public art, well-loved by the community and drawing visitors to the area and into Dunbar itself to find out more about John Muir, the pioneering naturalist and conservationist which it is a tribute to.

“It not only celebrates the work of one man, but also reminds us that we can each make a positive contribution to climate change and reduce global warming for future generations.”

DunBear dons virtual eye patch to mark ‘Big Night In’ and support local charity

The DunBear sculpture, part of the Hallhill development in Dunbar, will be donning a virtual spotted eyepatch, Pudsey-style, as part of the joint BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief “Big Night In.”

Taking place tomorrow (Thursday 23rd April) at 7pm, the show will raise funds for local projects across the UK during these challenging times. It will bring together stars including Sir Lenny Henry, Davina McCall, Peter Kay and Gary Barlow. All monies raised will be split between the two organisations.

The five-metre high steel Dunbear sculpture, created by renowned Scottish artist, Andy Scott, the man behind the ‘Kelpies’, will don the virtual eye patch which will be promoted via social media as a means to encourage people to give to the cause.

Individuals are also being encouraged to contribute to Dunbar charity, the Ridge. The Ridge, recognised for its outstanding work with young people, has joined forces with Dunbar Community Council as it shifts its focus to providing practical support for those of all ages adversely affected by COVID-19.

Jointly managed funds are already making a difference by providing food, clothes, toys and books.

A hot meals service is underway and the Ridge will direct and support people to debt advice services, mental health services and counselling.

Small grants are available  to groups, charities or individuals where such a grant will materially alleviate crisis.

The sculpture celebrates one of Dunbar’s most famous sons, John Muir, born this week in 1838 and who is credited with playing a key role in the development of America’s national parks.

It forms part of the mixed-use Hallhill development, being undertaken by Hallhill Developments, which started on site in 1999. The development has already delivered sports facilities, 56 acres of community woodland together with more than 1,500 homes, either built or under construction, as well as school provision and commercial and retail outlets.  

Ken Ross, on behalf of Hallhill Developments, commented: “We are delighted to be assisting in these extraordinary times to support such wonderful causes which make such a difference to people’s lives.

Hallhill is a key part of the Dunbar community and it is therefore only fitting that The DunBear should participate and play its part in raising much needed funding for organisations such as the Ridge.”

Pippa Swan, Chair of Dunbar Community Council said: “We would welcome everyone who is able to do what they can to support the Ridge.

“Their community work places them in the very best position to take a lead in helping individuals and families during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond and any funds raised will be directed fully to those in most need of help.”

Pauline Mills, Land & Planning Director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland said: “We have been part of the Dunbar community for many years now and we welcome the opportunity to be involved in this fundraising effort and provide a contribution of £500 to The Ridge to support the work they do. 

“Being able to work with groups and charities that surround our developments is important to us – even more so in these unprecedented times – and we are confident the local community will support these vital fundraising efforts as part of the BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief ‘Big Night In’ appeal.”

Those looking to contribute to The Ridge can do so via:https://paypal.me/TheRidgeDunbar?locale.x=en_GB

Those looking to contribute to the Big Night In can do so via: https://www.comicrelief.com/big-night-in/