The Star of Caledonia in Gretna Green project will consist of a circa 33m high steel sculpture with LED lights, designed by Cecil Balmond OBE, along with the provision of a Visitor Hub, a landscaped viewing platform, lochan and car parking.
Set within an accessible, biodiverse landscape, the Star of Caledonia will be a new regional, national and international cultural landmark and visitor destination for Scotland, located at Gretna Green.
The illuminated sculpture will stand in a naturalistic landscaped 39 acre site, which will be fully accessible to all and will integrate renewables, education, nature and biodiversity in order to celebrate Scottish innovation.
The Star of Caledonia aims to attract around 200,000 to 250,000 visitors per year, and will form a new destination and stopping point, encouraging visitors to explore the region’s natural and cultural heritage offerings.
READ MORE: Borderlands back plans for new site for £11million Star of Caledonia
The Star of Caledonia is private and potentially a publicly funded project, with the majority of the funds being donated by CWP Energy.
Chair of the Trustees Lucy Houston said:” I am delighted that the Star of Caledonia has today reached a milestone on its very long journey, and I am relieved to see it move to planning in memory of my late husband Alasdair Houston.
“As a Trust, we are working very hard behind the scenes, pulling together feasibility, revenue and business models. We are planning to start construction next spring, with a 12 -15 month build – meaning that the Star of Caledonia will be up and open in Spring 2027 – a full 25 years after its original conception.”
Local residents in Gretna Green and Springfield have been very supportive of the scheme, for which the Trustees are very grateful.
“We are excited to see the Star of Caledonia get a new home, as the project is not just about a landmark sculpture but as a catalyst for tourism, local economies, and community pride,” said Lucy.
Rod Wood, Managing Director at CWP Energy, said: “The Star of Caledonia is a unique, special project that embodies Scotland’s history of innovation and we are proud to be playing our part to see this sculptural landmark installed at Gretna Green.
“Whilst we are heavily invested in Dumfries and Galloway through our operational and consented wind farm developments, the Star of Caledonia will stand for generations illustrating the importance of Scottish innovation, and will be a catalyst for increasing tourism and expanding the local, regional and national economy. CWP Energy looks forward to working with the Trustees to see the sculpture installed in 2027.”
The total cost of the project is around £10m with The Trust working to secure the public element of the funding. The Star is a not-for-profit charity, with all money raised, invested back into the project and the local community.
The new plans will include a Visitor Hub; a focal point of the revised plan, that not only showcases the Star of Caledonia but also serves as a gateway to promote diverse tourist trails across Dumfries & Galloway and the Borderlands.
The Visitor Hub aims to highlight attractions out to the west, as well as along the Border, including Hadrian’s Wall, and east into the Scottish Borders – creating a synergy that enhances the overall appeal of Southern Scotland.
