LISTED building consent is being sought to carry out the maintenance work to Robert the Bruce statue in Lochmaben.
Dumfries and Galloway Council are seeking permission and work is likely to be carried out next year, in the new financial year.
A condition report of the statue has been drawn up by the local authority’s property services team following a visual inspection in February.
They found it is showing signs of discolouration and bacterial growth, both of which is to be expected. This is said to be caused by vehicle exhaust fumes, salts and other contaminants and can lead to the formation of hard black crusts building up on the surface.
It was also discovered that some “inappropriate cleaning” had been carried out in the past.
However, officials have concluded that the particle and biological soiling which is present is not causing damage to the fabric of the statue.
But they say if the moss and plant growth is allowed to continue there is potential for damage to the stone.
Historic Scotland’s guide for repair and maintenance of memorials has been consulted and the report says: “Should a clean be desired, it is always recommended that the least aggressive option available is used, and in this case a gentle clean with non-mechanical instruments.
“It must also be noted that biological growth cannot be removed fully and that the stone will not look new. Over cleaning sandstone can cause a much greater susceptibility of the stone to absorb rainwater, dirt and pollution and ‘pitting’ of small holes on the stone’s surface.”
If permission is given then a specialist contractor will be hired. Their first job will be to remove any loose debris or organic growth, the statue and plinth will be cleaned of surface dirt and any further cleaning required will be carried out by hand, using soft bristle brushes.
The B-listed statue was built in 1879 by sculptor John Hutchinson RSA of Edinburgh to honour Robert the Bruce in his birthplace.
