Earlier this year it was announced that a squirrel and a sheep would adorn the north and south entrance to Lockerbie, thanks to a £50,000 funding pledge from the Lockerbie Trust.
But the choices came under criticism from members of Lockerbie Ice Rink, especially curler Marion Murdoch, mother of Olympic silver medalist David Murdoch.
She questioned why Lockerbie Community Council, who are behind the project, had chucked out initial plans first mooted in 2014 to immortalise the town’s curling heroes in favour of a tribute to Eskrigg Nature Reserve (red squirrel) and the town’s market links (sheep).
She said: “My son is an Olympic silver medalist. Would you not have thought that was enough to merit some recognition?
“I feel we, the Ice Rink, have done a lot for the community. We have been here for 53 years and produced three Olympic medalists – the girls too – as well as World champions.”
Following the feedback the community group launched an online survey asking: “What design should Lockerbie’s roundabouts be given?”
Options included: Eskrigg Nature Reserve – red squirrel; Lockerbie Ice Rink – curling stone; Lockerbie market – sheep; a mix; other.
Over 600 people placed their vote with a curling theme securing 44 per cent of the vote, red squirrel 32 per cent, mix 15 per cent, other six per cent and poor sheep lagging behind with just three per cent of votes.
Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, chairwoman Jan Andrews said: “We’ve asked the public and the results are clear – one roundabout will have a squirrel theme, the other curling.
“Thanks to everyone who voted.”
She added: “The next step will be to mock up some designs with the help of Lockerbie Academy tech teacher Mr Crossan who has kindly offered to help.
“We’ll keep the public informed and show design plans however, like everything, this project won’t just happen over night.”
