A 20-TONNE granite sculpture of a lion, which is currently on show in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park as part of an exhibition by acclaimed artist Ronald Rae, could be coming to Arbroath if North East MSP Alex Johnstone has his way.

The substantial 8 x 17 x 7 foot sculpture is one in a series—including an ox, a wild boar, a fish, a horse, a sheep and a highland cow—which had been on display in the capital for many months and which now, apart from the lion, have been moved to the grounds of the Falkirk Wheel, where they will be on display for at least a year.

Mr Rae had offered it as a gift to the Scottish Parliament, who declined his offer.

Mr Johnstone, who sits on the influential Scottish Parliament Corporate Body, said, ‘Given the controversy that has surrounded the siting of the sculpture, and the fact that it is available for long term loan, I would like to suggest that an ideal location would be near the visitor centre at Arbroath Abbey.

‘The abbey was, of course, founded in the 12th Century by Scotland’s King William—who became known as William the Lion of Justice and is thought to have been the first to adopt the lion as the symbol of Scottish monarchy.”

Mr Rae said yesterday, “We have just heard that, largely due to public opinion apparently over-ruling the art establishment, the lion will be staying where it is for the next three years.”

Regarding the possibility of the lion being loaned to Arbroath, Ronald’s wife Polly said, “We are both touched and greatly moved by Mr Johnstone’s suggestion and it is certainly something we will consider.”