Crumbling heroes to get new lease of life

Mar 21 2012 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Wednesday

CRUMBLING statues of Bruce and Wallace are to be given a new lease of life after Stirling Council agreed a £23,000 overhaul.

The statues – which flank the main doors of the council’s B-listed Old Viewforth building – were checked over after a member of the public complained about their state.

The local had pointed out the growth of algae and other contamination of the statues, as well as missing bits, in 2009.

The situation has been kept under review and now councillors have agreed unanimously to have the statues revamped at a cost of £22,649.

Council officials said: “The condition report refers to areas of decay as a result of the statues’ exposure to rain, wind and environmental pollution. The biological growth, mostly of lichen, moss and algae, has colonised in exposed areas of the monuments and particularly in joints.

“As a result of this, parts of the statues’ detailing have been eroded and some elements, the sword for example, have disappeared altogether. If left in the current condition, these vulnerable areas will be susceptible to further accelerated decay.

“Costs for the work include transportation to the conservator’s premises in Edinburgh.”

Councillor Steven Paterson said: “I feel the council should express its gratitude to the member of the public. These statues will be completely reconditioned and brought back and hopefully be much better for years to come.”

Provost Fergus Wood and Labour Group leader Corrie McChord both said it would be interesting to find out the origins of the statues, while Councillor Andrew Simpson pointed out that in the course of a week around 2000 people passed by the statues.

Around £10,000 will come from civic funds towards the repairs costs, with remaining £12,649 from the Stirling Common Good Fund.