Lighting-up time nears for giant grouse

THE massive steel sculpture of a grouse at one of the main gateways to the Highlands is to be lit up at night using an innovative solar panelled system – the first project of its kind in Scotland.

The 49ft statue of the “Famous Grouse” was gifted by drinks giant the Edrington Group to the people of Perthshire to mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth by King William the Lion in 1210.

It has been erected in woodland overlooking one of Scotland’s busiest junctions, the Broxden roundabout, where the M90 and the A9 meet.

It will be lit up for the first time on 29 October.