Funding plea to preserve Great Polish Map of Scotland

A massive map of Scotland in the Borders is in need of maintenance support.

The three-dimensional concrete structure was restored to its former glory more than five years ago.

It sits in the grounds of the Barony Castle Hotel in Eddleston and the owners are now looking at ways to help with the upkeep of the sculpture.

The map was built in the 1970s in recognition of Scottish hospitality to Polish soldiers during World War Two.

The idea for the Great Polish Map of Scotland is thought to have originated with Jan Tomasik, proprietor of the hotel from 1969 to 1977.

He settled in Scotland after the war and developed his concept for the map with input from his former commander, Gen Stanislaw Maczek, who also lived in the country.

The map sits in an oval pool about 160ft (50m) wide and 5ft (1.5m) deep with water recreating rivers, lochs and seas.

In 2018, a lengthy effort to clean up and repair the structure was completed.

A group of volunteers constituted Mapa Scotland, a charitable trust, in order to take the plans forward.

Its lease for the restoration project expired in the summer and responsibility reverted to the hotel owners.

They met recently with Christine Grahame MSP to discuss potential sources of funding to restore and maintain the "iconic landmark" which she said was a "symbol of Scotland's close ties with the Polish people".

"Being outdoors, the map is subjected to the harsh Scottish weather and is in need of continual care and maintenance," Ms Grahame said.

"I am keen to support Barony Castle to secure funding to continue to look after this treasured sculpture."

Hotel partner Richard Spanner said he hoped they could find a way to safeguard the long-term future of the structure.

"We are proud to be the custodians of this important piece of history for both the Scottish and Polish people," he said.

"We are also very grateful to Christine for her advice and excellent knowledge showing us a clear path going forward to protect this map."