Plans submitted for large steel Star of Caledonia sculpture in Gretna Green. Project seeks to drive tourism, boost economy.
The ‘Star of Caledonia’ Trust wants it built. The steel structure would stand 33 meters high. They submitted the plans last week.
If approved, building could start in spring 2026. It would be near Smiths Hotel, by the A74(M). People could visit it by late 2027.
The Star could attract 250,000 visitors each year. This would help the local economy a lot. The trust chair is Lucy Houston.
Lucy said they worked hard to get here. The Star will show off Scottish innovation and will also boost local tourism.
Cecil Balmond OBE designed the sculpture. It includes over 100 lights, and a visitor hub is also planned.
There will be a viewing platform and a water feature. Parking, services, and kiosks are also planned. The project uses public and private funds. CWP Energy is the biggest funder.
Private funders provide about 70 percent of the project costs. Alasdair Houston came up with this idea in 2001. He wanted a landmark after the foot and mouth outbreak.
Alasdair led the project until he passed away in 2021. His wife, Lucy, now leads the trust, aiming to make his idea real.