Fundraising begins for statue of Robert Louis Stevenson

A LIFE-SIZE statue of a youthful Robert Louis Stevenson could be unveiled this year in North Berwick - one of his favourite childhood haunts.

Fundraising efforts are under way to bankroll the bronze likeness, which could cost up to 5,000, with collection cans appearing in outlets across North Berwick.

The much-loved Scottish author is said to have visited the coastal town in East Lothian many times as a child with Fidra Island - a rocky outcrop off its shoreline - thought to be the original inspiration for Treasure Island.

The One O'Clock Gun & Time Ball Association in Edinburgh is spearheading the fundraising drive to mount the statue which will also include a bust of his dog.

A series of money-spinning events are due to be held in the town throughout 2011.

Greyfriars Bobby look-a-like Blue is the face of the can collection campaign.

George Robinson of the One O'Clock Gun and Time Ball Association said: "As the Stevenson family travelled from Edinburgh to North Berwick during the summer in the early 1860ss, it's more than likely that young Louis would have heard the One o'Clock Gun firing, weather conditions permitting.

"In his book Picturesque Notes, he recorded that the One o'Clock Gun could be heard.

"It would be nice tribute to immortalise the author in North Berwick, a town that made a great impact on him."