Building Briefs – April 22nd

• Bear sculpture dons virtual eye patch to mark ‘Big Night In’

Taking place on April 23 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.

Those looking to contribute to The Ridge can do so here.

To contribute to the Big Night In click here.

• Green light for replica turf house plans at Glencoe Visitor Centre

A replica 17th century turf house has been given the go-ahead to be built at the Glencoe Visitor Centre.

Highland Council planners have approved the project, which will have to wait until the current coronavirus emergency is over before it can get off the ground.

The turf house, also known as a creel house from its shape, will help give a glimpse of how people once lived in the famous glen, according to centre owners the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).

The inspiration for the turf house follows a series of archaeological digs investigating long-lost historic dwellings at Achtriachtan.

NTS recruited a team of traditional building crafts workers to work with their archaeologists on the building design.

These specialists in turf-building, heather thatching, wattle and daub, timber creel and cruck frame structures, will work with trainees and volunteers on the reconstruction.

The building will be located in the grounds of the visitor centre.

• Mini-digger and trailer stolen from New Byth car park

Police are on the hunt for a van driver after a mini-digger and trailer were stolen from a car park at Old School Road in New Byth.

Investigating officers believe a Ford Transit-style vehicle was used in the theft after one was spotted towing a trailer with a mini-digger on the night of the crime.

The theft occurred at some point between 6pm and 11pm on Sunday.

The yellow and black JCB 8018 had the registration RV 63 NBE.

The plant trailer, which was secured with a padlock around the hitching point, had the registration mark WM 65 SYG.

Detective constable Jon Pinder said: “Door-to-door enquiries have been carried out and CCTV in the area is being reviewed. 

“At this time we are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a dark-coloured Ford Transit-style van in the area.

“We have reports of this van, which has a light-coloured stripe around it, being seen driving into New Byth around 9.50pm that night, not towing anything, and then again at around 10.16pm, towing a trailer with a mini-digger on it, heading north onto the B9027.

“Anyone who may be able to help in this investigation is asked to call us on 101.

“Likewise, we would ask anyone who may have been driving in the New Byth area in a vehicle fitted with a dashcam to check their footage to see if they may have captured anything which might assist us.”