A RARE cast-iron statue of Robert Burns which was discovered in a compost heap in the 1950s in South Africa has returned to Scotland.
The statue was discovered in a compost heap in a garden in Durban and remained there until it was purchased by Paul and Alexandra Morris in 2013, who arranged for it to be shipped back to Scotland, where it will now be housed in the Engine Shed in Stirling.
It was designed by eminent sculptor David Watson Stevenson and originally cast at the famous Saracen Foundry in Possilpark, Glasgow, prior to the First World War.
After its rediscovery, the statue was transported back to the Morris’s home in Alloway.
From there, “Rusty Rabbie” was restored, including lead testing on flakes of paint to confirm the original colour and has now been repainted.
The statue will be on display at the Engine Shed as part of the site’s Doors Open Days weekend, where visitors will be able to learn about the innovative iron founders competing to make the best metalwork – from statues like Rabbie to decorative iron cast ceilings.
Rachael Dorman of Historic Environment Scotland said: “We are excited to open our doors on 21 and 22 September to give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how Scotland is at the forefront of conservation and heritage research.
"From traditional skills and materials to digital and scientific innovation, there is a wealth of information and insights for visitors to enjoy at the Engine Shed.
"We’re grateful to Paul and Alexandra for their generous donation, and the way in which this statue was made can teach us much. We hope this intriguing representation of our national poet will inspire visitors to learn more about the history and legacy of ironwork in Scotland.”
