The 11-foot dragon sculpture in the centre of Dundee has proved a popular landmark with old and young alike—and now the public can see an early stage of its development in the sculptor’s scale model.

Dundee Lord Provost John Letford was presented with the dragon maquette by Steve Carter, strategy and partnerships manager at Scottish Enterprise in Dundee.

The embryonic dragon had its den with Scottish Enterprise for several years but they now wanted it to be on public show.

It will have a long-term home in the refurbished McManus Galleries but in the interim will be at the Wellgate Central Library.

Mr Letford took the opportunity during yesterday’s presentation in the City Chambers to pay tribute to Mr Carter—who is soon to leave Scottish Enterprise—for his work in transforming the city centre.

“He was instrumental in the planning and implementation of wide-scale envir-onmental improvements throughout the city centre which included the commissioning of both high quality and distinctive street furniture and public art—all of which contributed to the positive transformation of the city centre,” he said.

These improvements had led to major private sector investment and national planning and retail awards, Mr Letford added.

It was fitting that the maquette of the dragon should find its new home at the McManus Galleries.

Mr Letford said he would like to put on record the city council’s thanks for Mr Carter’s enthusiasm and commitment to improving the city over many years.

He also recognised Mr Carter’s contribution at Scottish Enterprise Tayside to the work of the Dundee Partnership and City of Discovery.

The dragon was designed by sculptor Alistair Smart —who tragically passed away before the work could be carried out.

One of his students Tony Morrow took over the commission, which has been clambered over by children for more than a decade.

The piece was inspired by the folk story of the dragon who killed the nine maidens before being slain by a blacksmith.