Visitors to a cherished Angus tourist spot have been left shocked after one of its most iconic features was removed.
The National Trust for Scotland has called time on the life of the living willow crocodile, which took pride of place in the garden behind JM Barrie’s Birthplace in Kirriemuir.
Captain Hook will finally have a solid night’s sleep after the fully blossomed and vivid structure, which depicted the bloodthirsty, clock-swallowing crocodile which stalked Peter Pan’s nemesis throughout Barrie’s children’s tale, was reduced to a pile of twigs at the weekend.
The plant once joined an effigy of Pan and a number of other statues in celebration of the book and JM Barrie’s life but the popular garden feature has now ticked its last tock, leaving visitors upset and disappointed.
Kirriemuir historian and Barrie enthusiast David Orr said it was a shame a feature which had been enjoyed by generations of visitors, young and old, had been given the chop.
“It has been needing a bit of tlc for a few years but I think folk will be very sad to see it go,” he said.
“My own grandson used to go there and enjoy playing in it and youngsters would have great fun going into the willow croc.
“The growing willow was a good idea but the teeth were carved pieces of wood and they had been falling out for some time.
“But just to destroy the thing and remove it completely was a bit of a shock. I went down there at the weekend and only the outline of the shape is left.”
A spokesman for the National Trust for Scotland said time had run out for the croc but the removal of the structure now gives the organisation a chance to develop the landscape afresh.
The 49ft-long crocodile was designed and constructed by Valerie Pragnell, a willow sculptor and was large enough for children to crawl inside. It was unveiled in the garden in June 1999.
The creation continued to grow as its shoots were woven into the structure’s frame, giving the art installation a living impression.
The croc was also fitted with a ticking clock, mimicking Barrie’s original creation in the children’s story.
The trust spokesman added: “The bad news is that the willow crocodile has reached the end of its natural lifespan and was deteriorating to the extent that it was barely recognisable as Captain Hook’s nemesis.
“Our gardens team therefore took the decision to put the crocodile out of its misery. There is good news however. This gives us an opportunity to look again at this part of the garden.
“We are considering new planting regimes and features that would enhance this place as somewhere for families to visit and enjoy, while staying true to the spirit of JM Barrie’s stories.”