A brand new monumet situated on the banks of the river Nith in Dock Park in Dumfries has been left badly damaged by vandals. The whale shaped stone bench was sculpted by Helen Kalmijn and errected to celebrate the long standing relationship that Dumfries has with Norway and was also dedicated to the 300 Norweigian refugees that stayed in Dumfries in Rosefield Mills during the Second World War.
The Group ‘Friends of Dock Park‘ are appealing to any members of the public who may have any information in regards to the vandalism to come forward and let the police know.
Just two weeks after the unveiling of the sculpture on the weekend of the 14th April, the recently installed Whale Bench was removed from its plinth and left lying on the grass, resulting in some damage being caused to the bench.
It has since been replaced on the plinth and remedial work has been carried out to re-inforce the security of the structure, and further remedial works are being assessed with a view to repairing the damaged areas.
Chairperson of Friends Of Dock Park, Trevor Muir, said “ Given the weight of the structure, it would have required the concerted efforts of a number of individuals to move it, and this demonstrates a clear lack of respect for what it is and what it represents. Any information from the public would be much appreciated and help to apprehend those who carried out this act of vandalism.”
The police have been informed and the area will continue to be monitored by CCTV cameras. If You have any information please call the police on 101.
Image and Information credit Friends of Dock Park
