MODEL . . . Rhiannah Horne has been selected to pose as the face of the ‘Gretna Girls’ statue
The ‘Gretna Girls’ model, which is being progressed by a sub-group of the Gretna, Springfield, Eastriggs First World War Commemoration Project, is designed to be a lasting legacy representing the thousands of women who worked at the town’s munitions factory during World War I.
And a small scale model of the final design is positioned in the window of Gretna Bakery throughout the Pack Up Your Troubles Festival this weekend.
Annandale East and Eskdale councillor Karen Carruthers, who chairs the sub-group, said: “Because it’s the 100th anniversary of the townships of Gretna and Eastriggs, the commemoration group wanted to link in with the Pack Up Your Troubles Festival as the statue will be a long lasting legacy of the 100 years.”
Sculptor Andrew Brown, who also created the Robert the Bruce statue at Annan Town Hall, has been commissioned to mould the sculpture, which will sit outside the Richard Greenhow Centre.
The 38-year-old, who was born in Stranraer and now lives in West Sussex, was selected from three shortlisted artists to construct the artform, which is expected to be in place in May/June next year.
And while the majority of funding has now been secured, a donation box will be sited in the bakery for anyone who wishes to contribute over the weekend.
Councillor Carruthers added: “We’ve got the majority of the money raised and have commissioned Andrew so now we’re tying up loose ends and are keen to keep the project in the public eye ahead of a final push when it’s unveiled early next year.”
And sculptor Andrew Brown is also honoured to have been selected to construct the border sculpture.
He said: “The subject represents such as important time in the development of the area and recognises the role of the local people in the war effort.
“I hope my design is well received and I am looking forward to getting started on the full size sculpture.”
