The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Village’s loveable rogue to get 21st-century makeover
Heritage: Statue of Scots legend Rob Roy lined up for restoration
It has been a feature of the north-east landscape for the last 25 years.
But the Rob Roy statue in Peterculter will be removed from its site today in a bid to return the figure to its former glory.
The model of the kilted Scottish hero is made of polychrome carved wood and sits on the rocky bank of Culter Burn at the west of the village.
But, after an inspection by the Rob Roy Preservation Trust, they have found the statue is in need of some TLC.
Construction firm, Diack and MacAuley, is conducting ongoing repair work on the historic Rob Roy Bridge, which is adjacent to the statue.
And the company has donated the use of a mobile crane to allow the committee to remove it for a full evaluation.
Chairman of the trust, Doug Middleton, said: “Legend has it Rob Roy leapt across the stream in pursuit of Hanoverian troops right at the point it stands today.
“It’s an important part of Culter’s heritage and it is also an attractive asset for locals and tourists.
“We are very grateful to Diack and MacAuley for their offer, which allows us to lift the statue from its current location so we can assess it for repair.”
Mr Middleton explained that a representation of the loveable rogue has sat at the site since around 1850.
He added: “The first was a redundant figurehead from the Rob Roy whaling ship which was fashioned into a model using logs of wood for legs and canvas for a kilt.
“This stood until around 1865 when a replacement was commissioned. The model lasted well, but was used for target practice by the Territorial Army before World War I and weather took its toll on the third statue.
“The current figure was carved by Arnold Smith and was unveiled in 1991.”
It should make an arresting image when it is lifted into the air.