The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Proposal for Star Wars statue in Angus town gathers force
TRIBUTE: Student wins support in bid to honour film actor born in Carnoustie
The Force has proved to be strong for an “evil” plan to erect a Star Wars statue in Carnoustie.
Public fundraising is about to get under way following positive feedback for the proposal which has also received political backing.
Emperor Palpatine, the arch-villain of the franchise, was played in the original Star Wars films by Carnoustie-born actor Ian McDiarmid.
McDiarmid, who studied psychology at Queen’s College in Dundee, first appeared as Darth Vader’s master in Return of the Jedi in 1983, overseeing the last stages of the second Death Star’s construction.
He returned for the Star Wars prequels in 1999’s The Phantom Menace and for the past 50 years has been a successful actor in a wide range of roles on stage and screen.
Romanian national Hunor Deak, who made Angus his home, wrote to Angus Council to put the case forward for a statue of McDiarmid in the golf town, which would be funded by the public.
“I am very happy about the widespread success so far,” he said.
“I’ve already had people cheering the idea on from Broughty Ferry to Montrose.
“The public fundraising campaign will be done by the fans for the fans.”
The Edinburgh University student said it would be made up of multiple little statues depicting McDiarmid playing different roles.
He believes having his statue in Carnoustie would draw countless Star Wars fans to Angus – boosting the economy.
The proposal has gained the support of Angus Lib Dem councillor Ben Lawrie.
He said: “It’s always good to see young people contributing ideas to the community.”