Damaged statues are to be repaired
Prince Albert and Sir Walter cordoned off
Long-awaited repair works are to be carried out on two Fair City statues.
Last year the PA highlighted the plight of both the Sir Walter Scott figure at Perth’s South Inch, and the faded glory of Prince Albert at the North Inch.
People climbing on the author’s statue broke off a section of the Waverley writer’s faithful hound, leaving it headless.
But matters then worsened, with revellers and North Inch Park users risking further damage and potentially injury by climbing on the installation to place a traffic cone on the author’s head.
And the husband of Queen Victoria was left nameless through years of erosion, prompting one Fair City resident to take matters into his own hands and install a wooden sign. The Albert Monument on the North Inch
In the past few days both statues have been fenced off and Perth and Kinross Council says it is now in a position to put right both issues.
Experts are due to move in from Monday, July 31 to carry out the necessary repairs, with additional work to help restore their faded The tribute to Sir Walter Scott on the South Inch
glory.
A spokesperson for PKC said: “The council has fenced off both the Sir Walter Scott statue on the South Inch, and the statue of Prince Albert on the North Inch ahead of carrying out conservation and repair works, which are scheduled to begin on Monday, July 31 and anticipated for completion at the beginning of September 2017.
“Both statues will be treated to prevent further algae and mould growth and undergo grouting work.
“The dog sculpture that forms part of the Sir Walter Scott statue will be reinstalled, and the steps to the statue of Prince Albert will be realigned and an inscribed name stone installed.”
Last year Donald McDonald approached the PA after calling, for several years, to have restoration carried out on the prince’s name. In frustration, he fashioned his own sign, earning respect from PA readers over his citizenly act.
The PA informed him of the developments this week. He responded: “It is good news to hear that this work is being carried out. I will wait to see what is done.”
He also welcomed the proposed repair work on the South Inch statue.