An artwork’s move to a more prominent location in Glenrothes has provoked roars of disapproval among locals.
Residents in the Caskieberran area have been outraged at the decision to move Rexie, a large dinosaur sculpture, from its spot on Waverley Drive to the centre of Caskieberran roundabout.
Now it has emerged that a petition has been drawn up urging the council to return Rexie to its rightful position, while local comedy singing duo The Tam Tam Club have also written a protest song about Rexie to show the community’s strength of feeling.
You Rexie Thing, which is sung to the tune of Hot Chocolate’s 80s hit You Sexy Thing, has been posted on the internet and contains the line, “I believe in dinosaurs, where you from, you Rexie thing.” It also samples the Was (Not Was) record Walk The Dinosaur, featuring the lyric, “Caskieberran get off the floor, everybody save the dinosaur.”
Rexie’s move was decided by Glenrothes area councillors in December, when £15,000 was granted towards the repair and moves of a number of the town’s outdoor sculptures. But while the upkeep of the artwork was welcomed by many, relocating the dinosaur did not go down well with locals.
Despite being given an assurance by Fife Council that public consultation on any move would take place, Central Fife MSP Tricia Marwick said she was “appalled” to learn it had already happened.
“I had an undertaking that the dinosaur would be removed for repairs and that local people would be consulted and that hasn’t happened,” she said. “I will be writing to the chief executive demanding an explanation as to why they told me one thing and did another. The town art belongs to the town, not Fife Council officials.”
In addition to the protest song by locals Tam Short and Tam McKay, it is understood over 150 people have signed a petition calling for Rexie’s return.
Among the other items of public art being moved are the giant hands, the horse and chariot, the picture frame, the giant mushroom and the elephants in Pitcoudie. Glenrothes has nearly 150 pieces of public art and, in taking the decision, Fife Council stressed some of the works had deteriorated because of age and vandalism.
Councillor Fiona Grant, who chairs the Glenrothes area committee, said at the time, “These measures will prolong the life span of these sculptures and help safeguard some of the town’s heritage.
“A great deal of thought has gone into where the sculptures should be re-sited with regard to complementing existing art in the area or simply moving into positions where more people can enjoy them.
“The aim is for the art to be both visually pleasing and to get people talking about them.”
You can find The Tam Tam Club’s song at www.dailyreckless.co.uk