The DunBear sculpture could find a new home in Dunbar

Created by renowned Scottish artist Andy Scott, the DunBear, which is a nod to Dunbar-born naturalist John Muir, was unveiled in 2019.

Currently, its home is off the A1 as part of Dunbar Business Park, previously DunBear Park.

Now, with plans for shops, a drive-thru coffee shop and industrial units on land surrounding the site – to the rear of the town’s Asda, McDonald’s and garden centre – the bear could find a new home, with the town centre and John Muir Way being mooted as potential locations.

Ken Ross, of Hallhill Developments Ltd, owns the sculpture and was not adverse to it being relocated.

Mr Ross said: “If the community or majority of the community would wish that, I would not be against it.

“However, what I have been told by some in the community is, particularly if they have been down south and driving up the A1, they see it there at the side of the road and they realise they are coming home and find it very welcoming and like that.

“I’m not going to be the dog in the manger about it if it is considered that the majority of the community wish it to be moved into the town centre.”

The DunBear has become a recognisable part of Dunbar since it was unveiled (Image: Jean Lowdon/East Lothian Courier Camera Club)

Muir emigrated to America with his family and would go on to play a key role in the creation of the national parks in his new homeland.

That then spread across the world, with nearly 100 countries now featuring a national park.

Mr Ross was hopeful that, if the sculpture were moved to the town centre, it could provide further funding and investment in the town.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of Dunbar Community Council, felt that there was merit in considering relocating the sculpture.

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She said: “A lot of people never understood why such an iconic piece of art was placed beside the A1 in the middle of a commercial development site when it was supposed to be community artwork.

“The community council are going to have a conversation on Monday night about the pros and cons of bringing the bear into the town and give consideration to some possible sites.

“Sites that have been mentioned, but not discussed with anybody concerned, somebody suggested moving the bear into Lochend Woods, someone suggest onto the Glebe where the gun was, others thought somewhere on the John Muir Way, somewhere in Winterfield Park.

“I think the ambition of the community council would be, if it was moved at all, to a site where it had at least potential to offer some sort of tourist plus to Dunbar, to bring more people into the town centre and increase footfall for the traders in the town.

Andy Scott (left) has been involved in creating numerous works of art, including a statue of Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

“No decision has been made at all yet.

“If there is general consensus and support of the idea of moving it, I will put together some options and put it out there and see what the general public think, and if they have any better ideas for potential locations.”

Mr Scott is also responsible for the Kelpies, near Falkirk, and statues of Manchester City legends Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero, as well as several other works of art across the globe.