Chance to help paint community penguin

SUPPORTERS young and old are banding together to lend a hand to a Kirriemuir campaign to create another memorable character for the town.

The statues of Peter Pan and Bon Scott could soon be joined by Kirrie’s very own penguin as part of a Maggie’s Dundee project which will see a colony of colourful creatures invade the region this summer.

Organisers hope the latest local public art initiative will capture the imagination in much the same way as the massive success of the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail.

Craft workshops are being held at the Kirrie Connections centre in Bank Street this week so townsfolk can play their part in decorating the Kirrie contribution.

Local artist Maureen Crosbie, whose work includes a mosaic along part of Brechin’s multimillion-pound flood prevention scheme, has put out a call for painters to participate.

Residents of Balhousie Lisden care home in Kirrie were among the first to take up the invitation.

Maureen said: “I’m pleased with the design we have chosen for Kirrie’s community penguin.

“We’re hoping to keep it a secret as much as possible until the big reveal but everyone who comes along will be able to contribute their own little bit.

“As part of the experience, we also have a memory book for everyone to sign, where people can leave a message or dedicate their contribution to a loved one.”

The Maggie’s penguin will be at Kirrie Connections between 10am-2pm daily until Friday for anyone to drop in and contribute.

Kirriemuir Community Council is raising funds to support the display and eventual purchase of the local penguin and donations are welcome.

Leonard Ormond with a photograph of his dog Rosco, who was stolen from his garden, and, above, the pair after being reunited.