Historic King Charles II statue facing collapse

ONE of the Capital's statues is in danger of collapse, it was claimed today, after an investigation showed its internal frame is deteriorating.

The 1685 statue of King Charles II on horseback – which stands in Edinburgh's Parliament Square and is said to be the UK's oldest lead-cast statue – underwent an endoscopic survey by a specialist lead conservator to assess internal water penetration and retention.

The "keyhole" technique was essential to investigate whether parts of the interior are filled or void, and to reveal the design and positioning of the supporting structure and its condition.

It has found that the wood and mild steel internal framework, which helps keep the statue in position, had deteriorated, causing stress on the statue itself.

A spokesman for Edinburgh World Heritage said fundraising for the historic landmark was ongoing, but it was hoped that urgent restoration work, which could cost 100,000, would begin in the summer.

The spokesman said: "Charles II is not going to collapse immediately – we are assured the statue is currently stable – but over a period of time that could happen."

The statue is the oldest in the Capital and thought to be the work of the world famous Dutch sculptor Grinling Gibbons.