Star of Caledonia on Scottish Borders looking for final funding

The Star of Caledonia project, which would see the creation of a £12million landmark sculpture marking the border between Scotland and England, could soon become reality.

It will 'capture the energy, scientific heritage, and the magnetic pull of Scotland', paying homage to Scottish innovation.

The trust is seeking a final £2million in funding to begin works on the ‘spade ready’ project, which would they say benefit tourism in both Cumbria and the south of Scotland.

The project was initiated by Alasdair Houston of Gretna Green as a response to the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001, which caused devastation to the rural economy.

The project has been ‘reignited’ post-Covid and is now so close to being ‘over the line’, according to the trust behind it.

The structure is set to rival the Angel of the North. (Image: Supplied)

Chair of the Star of Caledonia Trust, Susan Houston said: “We have been working very hard for several years now pulling the whole project together and we have got backers.

"But are still short of money and until we can get backers and close the gap on the funding that’s required, we can’t get started - but the project is spade-ready.

“It’s a celebration of a sculpture on the border of Scotland and England.

"In its infancy it was a piece of public art for everybody to enjoy and help the region in the wake of foot and mouth, but at that time there wasn’t enough funding available from different bodies so it went onto the back burner again.

"But the vision and the design and everything else that had been achieved was reignited post-Covid.

“It has turned from the regeneration at the end of an animal disaster to one at the end of a human disaster.

“We are just trying to get what will be such a magnificent project for the area over the line.”

The star-like sculpture, which evokes electromagnetic theory in its design, is set to rival the Angel of the North in Gateshead, one of the country’s most famous landmarks.

Talking about the Star of Caledonia, Susan said: “People have seen what the Angel of the North brought for that side, and this will do that and more for this side of the country.

“It will be in its present scale higher than the Angel of the North, so it will be spectacular.”

The project is said to have benefits for the economy of both Cumbria and Scotland, as well as educational benefits.

Possible backers are being encouraged to come forward.

Susan said: “If there is anybody out there with interests of being involved in a magnificent project, a legacy that is going to be left for many, many years to come, that is what we are trying to achieve.

“It’s been 20 years in the working towards and it is so nearly there, it would generate so much for our region, it will be such an icon for people to come and see.”

New Gretna Green Executive chairman John Holliday added: “This incredible project would leave a lasting legacy for Alasdair Houston and the South West Scotland community.

"I’m confident we can get the attraction over the line and give people something to be really proud of.

"It would create jobs and give a real boost the local economy.”