John Muir – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Two major retailers and £30m investment for DunBear Park

Two major retailers have been announced for DunBear Pak, Dunbar today (14^th October).

Detailed planning applications have been submitted to East Lothian Council for Lidl (1996 sq. m.) and B&M (2218 sq. m.) stores, as well as essential road infrastructure. These are set to create up to 80 jobs for Dunbar should planning consent be given. With site infrastructure this is set to deliver £30 million of investment in the development (images attached).

The joint application by Hallhill Developments Limited, Lidl and B&M follows planning applications for roads, footpaths and essential infrastructure submitted last year, together with renewable energy proposals for the site.

The 54.3-acre development is designed around The DunBear, the five-metre high steel sculpture of a brown bear which pays tribute to Dunbar-born naturalist, John Muir, credited with playing a key role in the establishment of National Parks in the USA. DunBear Park is part of the Hallhill development.

The exciting mixed-use development, which aims to include office, industrial, retail, leisure, extra care facilities, community and residential uses, will adopt the latest low carbon technology.

One of the key outcomes of the community consultation event for the DunBear Park development was a clear desire by the community for a far greater retail offering in Dunbar, serving to address increased demand and providing greater competition.

There are discount retailers in all the major towns in East Lothian, except Dunbar and unsustainable travel is therefore occurring, with residents of the town going to other towns.

By preventing expenditure leakage outwith the town to other parts of East Lothian and Edinburgh, it will also keep money in the community. Hallhill Developments have committed to work with local community groups, including the Dunbar Traders Association, to deliver onsite signage, pushing people to visit the town centre.

Development onsite also serves to financially pump prime infrastructure to deliver further employment uses on the site. New infrastructure has to be installed at significant costs and this early phase of development on the DunBear site makes it more likely that future employment-generating development will occur.

The proposed road layout for the development provides a through route east to west across the site. Safe and direct pedestrian and cycle routes are included within the scheme and will continue to be refined.

DunBear Park aims to be a highly sustainable development, adopting the latest low carbon technology to generate renewable heat and power on site. This approach will ensure minimal impact on the environment and assist in tackling climate change, as well as supporting the green recovery from Covid-19.

Heating is planned to be delivered onsite via a highly innovative district heating network, including the use of modern, low carbon electric heat pumps. The pumps will be powered by their own green electricity supply fed from a series of photovoltaic and battery arrays, which will also deliver green energy to the whole site.

Ken Ross from Hallhill Developments Limited commented: “At a time when retailers are scaling back due to the pandemic, it is great to be able to announce that these operators will be coming to DunBear Park. This will address the increased demand and provide greater competition, key themes that came from the community consultation exercise we undertook.

“This £30 million investment will deliver up to 80 much-needed new jobs for the local community, which is a clear vote of confidence in this location and will also serve to deliver the necessary infrastructure to allow us to bring forward further investment into Dunbar.”

Philip Mellor from the Dunbar Traders’ Association commented: “Developments such as this complement Dunbar town centre, and through preventing retail leakage to elsewhere in East Lothian and Edinburgh will keep more money in the town.

“In order to maximise the potential of these exciting developments we will be working with the developer to establish ways to promote and use appropriate signage. This will attract people who are visiting these outlets and/or the fantastic DunBear sculpture to the town centre.

“This is a win-win situation for Dunbar.”

DunBear Sculpture lit blue and white to mark Battle of Dunbar

Today (3^rd 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.”

Meet The DunBear

A pupil from Dunbar school has won the competition to name the sculpture of the bear, which forms part of the mixed-use Hallhill Development at Dunbar in East Lothian.

The bear is a five-metre high steel sculpture created by renowned Scottish artist Andy Scott (also creator of the much loved ‘Kelpies’).

Emily Hotchkiss, from S5 at Dunbar Grammar School, was awarded the prize after her bear name “The DunBear” was chosen. One of Emily’s prizes was a picture of the bear signed by Andy.

Following the recent unveiling of the Dunbar bear in November, a competition was held with students from Belhaven Hill School, Dunbar Primary and Grammar to name the bear. The winner was chosen from nearly 3,000 entries.

The Dunbar bear sculpture, located off the A1 in close proximity to the Spott roundabout at Dunbar, represents the legacy of one of East Lothian’s most famous sons, John Muir.

John Muir, born in Dunbar in 1838, played a key role in the development of America’s national parks. He emigrated from Scotland in 1849 and is famous for petitioning the U.S. Congress for the National Park bill, establishing Yosemite National Park. The bear is symbolic of John Muir’s travels through the far-off wilderness of America’s west, in the Rockies and his advocacy for National Parks.

The sculpture forms part of the mixed-use Hallhill development, which started on site in 1999. It has already delivered sports facilities, 56 acres of community woodland together with 1,200 homes including over 200 affordable family homes with approximately 320 currently under development, as well as school provision and commercial and retail outlets.

“The DunBear” took the prize after students from Belhaven Hill School, Dunbar Primary and Grammar entered their own names to the competition. The top 10 names from each school were then selected by the head teacher and passed onto the prefects of the school to narrow down the selection.

The final name was chosen by Andy Scott and stakeholders from Hallhill Developments, who commissioned the piece.

Ken Ross, from Hallhill Developments, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and would like to congratulate Emily Hotchkiss on her name for the bear. Every entry represented real enthusiasm for the project and, at the end of the day, community, history and talent is what this unveiling has been about.

“The DunBear celebrates the incredible legacy left behind by John Muir. His advocacy for national parks and the environment in general is a lesson to us all that we must do what we can to protect our precious environment.

“Going forward, we hope that many more children, young people and adults alike take an interest, visit and take an interest in ‘The DunBear’.”

Pictures: Colin Hattersley

Giant bear sculpture to celebrate John Muir erected in East Lothian

The legacy of one of East Lothian’s most famous sons, John Muir, has been immortalised through a five-metre high steel bear sculpted by renowned Scottish artist, Andy Scott, the man behind the ‘Kelpies’ and other well-loved sculptures.

This remarkable sculpture, fixed to a base erected on a mound planted with wild flowers, was unveiled yesterday. It will be illuminated by lighting using renewable energy. The bear is located off the A1 in close proximity to the Spott Roundabout at Dunbar. Continue reading Giant bear sculpture to celebrate John Muir erected in East Lothian

Steel bear sculpture in East Lothian finally given green light

The legacy of one of East Lothian’s most famous sons is to be immortalised through a five-metre high steel bear sculpted by renowned Scottish artist, Andy Scott, the man behind the Kelpies and other well-loved sculptures. Continue reading Steel bear sculpture in East Lothian finally given green light

Secondary school students to hear the John Muir story

‘One day’s exposure to mountains is better than a cartload of books’, said John Muir, who nevertheless understood the power of the pen and wrote prolifically about wild places and the need to protect them. This month a cartload of books about Muir’s life will go out to every secondary school in Scotland to tell the story of his life and legacy.

The new graphic novel, ‘John Muir, Earth – Planet, Universe‘, – a story told in illustrated format with a combination of Muir’s words and a carefully crafted narrative – has been created by Scottish Book Trust, Creative Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage as part of Year of Natural Scotland and John Muir legacy celebrations. It aims to share the story of the conservation visionary with new audiences, and invites discussion, reflection and action.

“The book and its online resources really brings out the adventurous spirit of John Muir from his childhood in Dunbar to his wanderings around America, and shows the origins of his campaigning zeal and passion for wilderness,” said Rob Bushby of the John Muir Trust who sat on the steering group for the development of the novel.

“The Scottish Book Trust is to be congratulated for capturing this in a way that’s already inspiring and engaging pupils, teachers and adults alike. It has the potential to be a game changer in bringing this often-neglected champion of wild places to a whole new audience.”

Written by award-winning author Julie Bertagna and illustrated by Glasgow-based artist William Goldsmith, the novel is based on the key moments and life adventures of John Muir and is intended to help children develop a deeper understanding and awareness of the natural environment and the importance of protecting wild places.

With the assistance of Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Eco-Schools Scotland programme, a class set of 24 copies will be distributed to every secondary school in Scotland this month to coincide with the opening of the John Muir Way by the First Minister on 21 April.

The novel was developed in partnership with John Muir Trust, Creative Scotland, Education Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage and in consultation with teachers and school pupils. It combines environmental studies with literacy in an innovative way that hasn’t previously been implemented in Scotland, and is supported by accompanying online resources for teachers.

Commenting on the use of graphic novels as a way of engaging pupils in learning, Marc Lambert, Director of the Scottish Book Trust, said: “The importance of taking care of the planet for future generations is one of the most vital lessons our children can learn.

“Telling the story of John Muir’s life and thoughts through the highly accessible and entertaining form of a graphic novel allows us to reclaim a Scottish hero and helps children to develop a deeper understanding of the key environmental issues he campaigned for, in a creative and enjoyable way.”

You can download the PDF version of John Muir, Earth – Planet, Universe from the Scottish Book Trust

The John Muir Festival got underway last night with the official opening of the magnificent Kelpies sculptures at Falkirk’s new Helix Park. The Festival runs until 26 April – to find out what’s on go to www.johnmuirfestival.com

Counting down the steps to the John Muir Trail

This Sunday (21 April 2013) marks a year from the launch of the John Muir Trail – and a huge amount of work has already been completed. The new long distance route, which passes through Edinburgh, will open on John Muir’s birthday on 21 April 2014 and forms part of the celebrations to mark the centenary of the Scots born naturalist’s death.

The John Muir Trail will link Muir’s birthplace in Dunbar to Helensburgh via Scotland’s first National Park – Loch Lomond and the Trossachs – and will take in Edinburgh along the way. The trail will celebrate John Muir’s life, promoting his ideas and providing a memorable walking experience for both local people and overseas visitors.

The 105 mile (169km) trail will follow some existing routes such as the John Muir Way in East Lothian. In other sections, new paths are being created. The route will enable walkers, cyclists and horse riders to easily visit some of the most beautiful coastal scenery, sweeping landscapes, wildlife sites and historic visitor attractions across Scotland’s heartland.
Although the full route is not yet open, there have been many local path improvements, giving walkers and cyclists a boost already.

In Edinburgh, the Brunstane Burn path will be a key section of the John Muir Trail linking Holyrood Park and east Edinburgh with Musselburgh. At the moment, this path is muddy and overgrown but it is being improved for cyclists and walkers by the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Natural Heritage John Muir Trail project.

The route will be waymarked with The John Muir Trail signs, and a website, book, leaflets and map will give people all the information they need to complete part or all of the trail.

Conservationist John Muir was born in Dunbar in 1838, before emigrating to the United States in 1849. Amongst his achievements, he helped save the Yosemite Valley in California, was a Co-founder of The Sierra Club – one of the most influential grassroots environmental organisations in the USA – and successfully campaigned for National Parks in America.

The launch of the new route is an integral part of the Year of Homecoming 2014 and its opening will be one of a number of events to “Bring John Muir Home”. Muir’s life, work and legacy will be a focus of national and international attention with John Muir 2014 providing one of the signature themes for the year.

Creating a new John Muir Trail is a flagship project for the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN). Keith Geddes, Chair of the CSGN Partnership Board, which developed the concept of the route, said: “John Muir is considered one of the patron saints of 20th century American environmental activity. He is noted for being a conservationist, naturalist, geologist, inventor and explorer. However, despite the magnificent efforts of East Lothian Council, the John Muir Trust and the John Muir Museum in Dunbar, Americans still tend to know more about him than Scots.

“This is why the new route is a fitting way to celebrate a man who through his life, writings and legacy, could inspire a new generation of Scots to recognise the value of nature and the outdoors. It will take walkers and cyclists from Muir’s birthplace through Scotland’s first national park, through Edinburgh to Helensburgh. It’s a great way to highlight the fact that he was born in Scotland and that one of his great achievements was to play a central part in establishing national parks in the United States.”

The hard work involved in developing the route is being carried out by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Ron McCraw of SNH, explained: “We’ve made a lot of progress in the last year. We now have 80% of the route in place and it’s sure to be a spectacular walk across the country that many people will enjoy. Some places in the Central Belt are already enjoying the benefits of work on the route with improved local paths. It will certainly be an exciting day in 2014 when people can enjoy the entire route – but it’ll also be a terrific way for families to have a day out for shorter sections of the route near them.”

Not only will the new route celebrate Muir’s life and achievements, but it will also create significant and lasting economic benefit. A study commissioned by SNH estimates that some 700 jobs could be created over the first five years of the route’s existence and contribute £25 million to the local economy.

For further information about the John Muir Trail please contact johnmuirtrail@snh.gov.uk