And finally… Work starts on tribute to ‘Scotland’s forgotten Einstein’

Construction at the site near Gretna Green is due to commence in March, with around half of the cost of the project being covered by a local energy company.

CWP Energy is the cornerstone investor for the project, contributing around £6 million of the estimated £12 million total cost for the landmark.

Once complete, the striking 33-metre illuminated structure will be the largest sculpture in Scotland, standing as a powerful symbol of national identity and innovation.

Situated on the border between Scotland and England, the project will shortly move into the next stage of development after planning approval was given in August.

Designed by internationally renowned artist and engineer Cecil Balmond OBE, the Star of Caledonia’s LED lights will be powered by renewable energy.

The project, which is expected to open in spring 2027, will greet millions of travellers entering Scotland, celebrating the nation’s creativity and its scientific legacy.

The biodiverse and accessible 39-acre site will include a purpose-built visitor hub, landscaped grounds, and a viewing platform, creating a major cultural destination in Dumfries and Galloway.

Projected to attract over 200,000 visitors annually, the Star will provide a significant economic boost for the area, as well as supporting local employment.

All revenue generated by the site will be reinvested through a community interest company, funding arts, education, and community initiatives across the region.

CWP Energy and the Star of Caledonia Trust will continue to engage with local communities, stakeholders, and partners to ensure the project is delivered responsibly and leaves a lasting legacy for the region.

Rod Wood MBE, managing director of CWP Energy, said: “This is going to be a spectacle that embodies Scotland’s legacy of innovation and its commitment to green energy. The Star of Caledonia symbolises the brilliance of James Clerk Maxwell, the ‘Einstein of Scotland’.

“Einstein once said he stood on Maxwell’s shoulders, and this sculpture reflects that legacy of light, energy, and progress. It is more than just a sculpture, it’s a national statement.”

Lucy Houston, chair of the trustees of the Star of Caledonia, said: “We are thrilled to receive such a transformative contribution from CWP Energy.

“This partnership represents a huge step forward for the project and is a testament to the enduring support from our local community, Dumfries and Galloway Council, and elected councillors. Their belief in the vision has brought us to this milestone.”

Alan Walker, treasurer and former chair of the James Clerk Maxwell Foundation, said: “James Clerk Maxwell, who created the first colour image and revealed the theory of electromagnetism, laid the foundations of our modern world.

“The Star of Caledonia captures the very essence of his discoveries: light, energy, and innovation.

“As Stephen Hawking once said, Maxwell was ‘Scotland’s forgotten Einstein’, and this sculpture is a fitting tribute as we approach the bicentenary of his birth in 2031.”