Tag: sculptor Andy Scott

Dunbar Bear sculpture to be lit up again following vandalism

A kind offer from an external lighting manufacturer will see The DunBear, the sculpture of a brown bear beside the A1 at Dunbar, illuminated again.

The generous offer of six new solar panels by Acrospire, a UK designer and manufacturer of external lighting, follows recent vandalism of the solar panels that provides the lighting for the five-metre-high steel sculpture.

The major East Lothian visitor attraction has been subjected to repeated acts of mindless vandalism, spoiling people’s enjoyment of the sculpture, the most recent just last month.

A tribute to the pioneering Dunbar-born naturalist and conservationist, John Muir, who played a key role in the establishment of National Parks in the USA, the sculpture is much-loved by the local community and has attracted increased footfall to the town, benefitting it immensely.

On hearing of the vandalism and being aware of the considerable enjoyment The DunBear brings to both visitors and locals alike, Kevin Grigg, Sales Director at Acrospire immediately offered their expertise, replacing the damaged solar panels free of charge to see the scheme illuminated once again. 

Designed by renowned Scottish sculptor, Andy Scott, also responsible for The Kelpies, The DunBear was erected in 2019 by Hallhill Developments and is lit up with different colours on key dates, such as Valentine’s Day and St Andrew’s Day (above).

It forms the centrepiece of DunBear Park, a proposed 54.3-acre low carbon community that aims to include a range of commercial, community and residential uses.

Prior to the vandalism it was the intent to light up the sculpture in the colours of the Ukraine flag – yellow and blue – in solidarity with the people of the Ukraine. This will be attempted again once the new panels are installed.

Ken Ross from Hallhill Developments, which is responsible for The DunBear and is undertaking the DunBear Park development, commented: “We cannot thank Acrospire enough for its very generous supply of six replacement solar panels.

“The vandalism we have experienced is deeply sad to see – especially at a time when we had planned to illuminate it in yellow and blue in support and solidarity of the people of Ukraine.

“We know that this sculpture is popular with the community and would request that it be vigilant and report any vandalism to the police if they see it happening again.”

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.”

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