Call for statue to mark pet monkey’s demise
‘I am not imagining some sort of monstrosity, just a short, tasteful plinth with a likeness of the monkey on top. Maybe the town could have a vote on the name?’
Eight years ago, ‘stunned’ Oban residents witnessed a monkey being knocked down on William Street.
This week, a man has written to The Oban Times suggesting a bronze statue be erected to commemorate the pet.
Godfrey Binks said: ‘With new hotels, new high street stores, a new marina and Oban Live, it’s apparent tourism will continue unhindered for many years to come.
‘However, I’d like to suggest we make tourists realise Oban is so much more than a picturesque wee town that they stop at on their way to somewhere else. I’d like them to realise there is real history to our town.
‘After a recent trip to Edinburgh, and an encounter with one of the best known bronze figures in our country, it occurred to me there are very few things around here that commemorate events in the town’s history.
‘Eight years ago there was an incident involving a furry friend in Oban and I think it might deserve some sort of bronze memorial.
‘I am talking about ‘The Mystery Monkey.’
In 2010, The Oban Times reported: ‘Stunned Oban residents watched in horror as a monkey was run over by a passing vehicle on the town’s William Street.
‘Only moments before the accident, the cheeky mystery visitor had been giving police officers, traffic wardens, veterinary nurses, motorists, shop owners and tourists the run around for more than an hour on the busy road and side streets.’
It was believed the owner was travelling around the area in a camper van before the monkey escaped.
Mr Binks added: ‘I am not imagining some sort of looming monstrosity, just a short, tasteful plinth with a likeness of the monkey on top.
‘Maybe the town could have a vote on the name? We could encourage suggestions to be submitted to The Oban Times. I will start the ball rolling with ‘Marmy’, because it was a Marmoset.
‘I have attached a sketch of what I’m imagining. In no way am I suggesting the statue be modelled on my sketch.
‘It would be short in height and have a brief description of the incident somewhere that might serve as a talking point.’