An appeal has been sounded to raise £100k for a stunning new landmark for Annan.
A chosen design for the Public Art Centrepiece project was shown to the community at a coffee morning to mark three years since the town lost two iconic bridges in heavy flooding.
Some of their recovered metal parts will be incorporated into the PAC project – to be created by Thornhill blacksmith Nate Robinson – which is being organised by the Annan The History Group, who have set up an online funding appeal at https://localgiving.org/charity/annan-the-history-town-group to raise the cash to create and install it.
Donations can also be made via BACS Annan the History Town Group, sort code 80-22-60, a/c number 19872968 reference ‘PAC project’ and the money will be ringfenced to this specific project.
The artwork design, chosen by the Short Life Working Group from a number of suggestions, has been inspired by the town’s legend of the Kelpie in the River Annan and planning permission will have to be sought to site the landmark on Battery Street – which is land held in trust for the common good and which connects the town to the river.
Co-development officer for ATHT, Gail McPhillips, said: “Annan The History Town group are seeking support for the Public Art Centrepiece (PAC) project. It will stand as a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and new beginnings for a town that has faced many challenges.
“The devastating floods of October 2021 washed away two of our footbridges, leaving a devastating gap in our community. The Tale of Two Bridges group are working hard to restore these bridges back for our community. They have kindly donated the metal carnage from the bridges to ATHT to lead on this incredible project.
The PAC project aims to repurpose the metal from the lost bridges and new materials into a stunning piece of public art, bringing the town together in the process.”
She added: “This iconic sculpture will celebrate Annan’s rich heritage, and we’re eager to make it a reality – but we need help to get there. Whether you have stories or poems about the River Annan, memories of the bridges, or ideas inspired by the legend of the Kelpie, we’d love to hear from you.
“We’re also open to fundraising ideas, as we’re aiming to raise £100k to make this stunning landmark a reality. Every contribution, idea, or thought counts.
“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated so far to the Public Art Centrepiece project. Your generosity is helping us create a new iconic landmark for Annan. Every contribution is bringing us closer to realising this centrepiece for our town.”
Funds are being raised through community efforts, donations, and grants. Annan’s Paul Harrington will be running the 100k Canalathon from Sowerby Bridge to Manchester and back in March 2025 to help raise funds.
To get involved email: [email protected].