Kelton, the One-Tonne Wicker Beltie, was made by local artist Trevor Leat to celebrate the Royal Highland Showcase in 2021. After a winter lodgings, courtesy of the National Trust for Scotland, he is now travelling across the region to celebrate the return of a variety of events.
Cathy Agnew was the driving force behind the project and said:
“Having spent last winter with the National Trust for Scotland outside Castle Douglas, and following a spruce up from Trevor Leat, I am delighted that Kelton is now on his 2022 Summer tour across the region. Starting at Crawick Multiverse, he is now at the Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival before coming to Castle Douglas to celebrate the return of the Stewartry Show and then the Alternative Games in New Galloway. After that, he heads west to the Wigtown Book Festival. Its just lovely to see the pleasure that he gives when people realise the scale and size of him. He has been in the background for countless selfies by visitors and locals alike.”
Proposed Tour dates are:
- 8th – 11th July: Newton Stewart, for the Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival
- 11th – 19th July: Castle Douglas Market Hill
- 19th July – 5th Aug: Stewartry Show (At Stewartry Rugby Club)
- 5th Aug: Arrives in New Galloway for the Alternative Games & Ken Bridge Bicentenary celebrations through August
Kelton was created thanks to funding from a variety of sources, including a contribution from the Galloway Glens Scheme, an initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team. McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens Team Leader, said:
“It feels like a milestone to be able to plan events again and its brilliant that Kelton is able to sprinkle a little bit of his joy across the region! Congratulations to Trevor Leat for his creation, celebrating one of the most iconic ‘Galloway’ features. Many thanks as ever to National Lottery Heritage Fund for funding the Galloway Glens Scheme.”
