Appeal launched to safeguard future of Great Polish Map of Scotland
Last updated 13th Dec 2023
It's the world's largest 3D terrain relief model of a complete nation.
Support's being sought to safeguard the long-term future of The Great Polish Map of Scotland - which has been described as a symbol of Scotland's close ties with the Polish people.
Built in the grounds of Barony Castle Hotel in Eddleston, in the Scottish Borders, during the 1970s, it's believed to have been the brainchild of former owner Jan Tomasik, who was stationed in the region during World War Two.
The local landmark, which was lost to nature for a number of years, has become a popular visitor attraction since its restoration was completed in 2018.
Now an appeal's being launched for volunteers - and funding - to help with its upkeep.
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video of the map...
Tweeddale MSP Christine Grahame said: "Being outdoors, the map is subjected to the harsh Scottish weather and is in need of continual care and maintenance.
"I am keen to support Barony Castle to secure funding to continue to look after this treasured sculpture."
Hotel partner Richard Spanner added: "We are proud to be the custodians of this important piece of history for both the Scottish and Polish people."
The map sits in an oval pool about 160ft (50m) wide and 5ft (1.5m) deep with water recreating rivers, lochs and seas.
Describing some of the work involved, Lynda Gilroy, sales manager at Barony Castle Hotel, said: "We need funding to try and repair things like the water system in it, so that the whole of the area round the map gets flooded.
"We need to get the moss cleaned off it; we need to get some cracks filled in - I think one of the mountains has lost a little bit of its top; so it's things like that that we really want to do to get it back to what it was like in 1974 when they finished it."
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