THE artist behind The Kelpies has revealed his newest large public sculpture - a bear, to honour John Muir.
Andy Scott has revealed the five metre high steel bear, which will stand as an artistic welcome to the East Lothian town of Dunbar.
Scott, who created the two large, and now famous, equine statues at Falkirk, has created the bear as a memorial to Muir, who was born in Dunbar in 1838, and who played a key role in the establishment of America's national parks.
Muir emigrated from Scotland in 1849 and is notable for petitioning the U.S. Congress for the National Park bill, establishing Yosemite National Park.
The bear has been chosen as the symbol of Muir’s travels through the American west, notably in the Rockies and Alaska.
Planning permission for this piece of public art has now been granted, and it is understood that it will be unveiled next spring.
The sculpture will form part of the mixed-use Hallhill housing development on the east of the town, and is visible from the railway line.
Scott, a graduate of Glasgow School of Art, said: "It is fantastic that we have now been given the green light to create this sculpture in memory of such an influential character as John Muir, especially given today's environmental climate.
"His role in creating national parks is well known in the United States, but sadly not so well known here and this bear sculpture will provide an opportunity to enlighten people about the man and his work.
"It is a symbol of the wilderness John Muir was such a passionate advocate of and is testament to his incredible desire to protect the natural environment."
Scott has completed over 70 projects in the UK and internationally, including the Arria sculpture at Cumbernauld and the Heavy Horse, outside Glasgow.
In 2014 he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Engineering Department of Strathclyde University, an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal incorporation of Architects in Scotland and an Honorary Fellowship of the Scottish Society of Architectural Artists.
The Kelpies sculptures have won a Saltire Award for Civil Engineering.
Dunbar councillor, Norman Hampshire, said: "The bear is truly symbolic of Dunbar’s rich history, symbolising its most famous son, John Muir, and will fast become a well-loved local landmark like his other iconic sculptures."
Ken Ross, from Hallhill Developments commented: "We are delighted that the Scottish Government has approved this fantastic piece of public art and are actively engaged with Andy to get the bear erected in Dunbar in spring 2019.
"This piece of art will not only contribute to the emerging identity of Dunbar’s new gateway, but has the potential to draw people into the area to find out more about John Muir."
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