HE was the Scot who became known as the father of America’s national parks, the ‘Old Man of the Mountains’ whose love of nature spearheaded the environmental movement in the US.

Now a fresh tribute to the legacy of John Muir has been unveiled outside his home town of Dunbar in the shape of a five-metre tall steel bear, sculpted by Andy Scott, the artist behind the ‘Kelpies’.

John Muir, was born in Dunbar in 1838, gained his love of nature exploring the coasts and woods of East Lothian as a schoolboy.

He emigrated from Scotland in 1849 and spent his life wandering its wild places, studying the environment and writing books which brought his adventures to a wide audience.

The bear is symbolic of the naturalist’s free-spirit and his travels through the far-off wilderness of America’s west, the Rockies and his advocacy for National Parks.

Sculptor Andy Scott, a graduate of Glasgow School of Art, has completed over 70 projects across the globe. His distinctive hand-crafted figurative sculptures, made from interlocking steel plates, combine traditional skill with contemporary fabrication techniques.

He said: “It is fantastic to see this sculpture finally being erected as part of the Hallhill development, especially in memory of such an influential character as John Muir, which is particularly apt given today’s focus on the environment.

“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.”

Born one of eight children, Muir was introduced to nature on long walks with his grandfather. The outdoors offered something of a refuge from his strict Victorian father Daniel, a disciplinarian who often felt he had to chastise his wayward, restless son.

The family emigrated to America to embrace an austere strain of Christianity, and Muir left when he was a teenager to find his own path.

During a lifetime dedicated to the great outdoors, the conservationist walked thousands of miles across the United States, to Cuba and then San Francisco before exploring Yosemite Valley.

Although he dropped out of university, he was a trained botanist and geologist and kept meticulous journals of scientific and personal observations and drawings during his travels, and gained fame as a wise and informative guide for wealthy travellers.

Muir first suggested the idea of Yosemite Valley becoming a national park in a magazine article in 1889. It inspired a movement to protect America’s precious natural landscapes, and within a year a law had been passed to create the first national park.

Muir also founded the Sierra Club in 1892, dedicated to preserving wild lands, and went on to publish a string of books that highlighted the natural features of the places he visited.

His influence led to the New York Times describing him as “one of the greatest thinkers of America” and he counted several presidents among his close friends. He said of himself: “I could have become a millionaire, but chose instead to become a tramp”.

The bear sculpture, unveiled yesterday, forms part of the mixed-use Hallhill development, which started on site in 1999 and comprises sports facilities, 56 acres of community woodland, 1,200 homes and a school.

The sculpture is made of welded steel and is fabricated from steel plates of various thicknesses which are heavy at the bottom and lighter towards the top.

It is located off the A1 in close proximity to the Spott Roundabout at Dunbar and is surrounded with wild flowers. It will be illuminated at night by spotlights powered by renewable energy. Visitors can access it via a walkway.

The unveiling ceremony was marked by a reception comprising local dignitaries and school children from Dunbar Primary at the site. A competition will now be undertaken with local schools to give the bear a name.

Angela Leitch, chief executive of East Lothian Council, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Andy Scott’s latest eye-catching sculpture has been unveiled here in East Lothian. It’s a highly appropriate way of paying tribute to John Muir, one of the county’s most famous sons, who played such an influential role in the development of America’s national parks.

“It complements fantastic attractions such as John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar and the John Muir Way, which continues to be a popular trail with visitors and locals alike. At five metres high, we’re sure the sculpture will become a real talking point, helping to draw even more visitors to the area.”

Ken Ross from Hallhill Developments added: “The Hallhill development, which this bear sculpture forms an integral part of, has brought tremendous benefits to the area, including almost 600 jobs together with new much-needed homes, commercial and retail opportunities.

“The sculpture reflects the ethos of this sustainable development, which is part of the Dunbar community, where families can work, live and play. It is located next to good schools, in the sunniest place in Scotland.

“It 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.”