Latest news with #RossMorris
BBC News
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Royal Mile unicorns have horns restored
A pair of 19th Century unicorn sculptures at the top of Edinburgh's Royal Mile have had their horns restoredThe sandstone sculptures adorn the façade of the Scotch Whisky Experience, just in front of the Edinburgh Castle original horns, made from wood and lead, had long been missing, but as part of the building's restoration the attraction's facilities manager Ross Morris, a keen woodworker, crafted some new ones. A competition has now been launched to name the unicorns, with some whisky-themed puns such as Amber, Isla and Pete among the suggestions. Mr Morris said the original horns were believed to have fallen off at some stage during the building's history. "Helping restore the unicorns to their former glory has been a real privilege," he said."Carving the spirals was a new and exciting challenge which drew on years of experience working with wood."He added: "Having the chance to contribute to such an iconic part of Edinburgh's skyline, at a place that means so much to me, has been incredibly rewarding." Edinburgh's architecture often features unicorns and several can be found on the Royal Wilkinson, former director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: "Buildings of the late Georgian/Victorian period in Edinburgh were particularly loaded with symbolism."Whether the use of classical features in the New Town, or adaptations of Gothic styles like this in the Old Town."If you look up in Edinburgh, you will often spot intricate carvings of animals."He continued: "It is wonderful to see responsible owners who are willing to invest in the care and maintenance of these important vestiges of Edinburgh's social history and giving them a sustainable long term use." Winners of the "spirit of the unicorn" naming contest, which runs until 27 April, will receive a whisky tour and a special unicorn cocktail at the visitor attraction's can be submitted via the Scotch Whisky Experience website.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Unicorn sculptures on Royal Mile to have missing horns restored
A pair of unicorn sculptures in one of Edinburgh's most iconic locations will have their missing horns restored to their former glory. The 19th century animal statues adorn the facade of the Scotch Whisky Experience, in front of the Edinburgh Castle esplanade. While the horse sculptures themselves have withstood the test of time, the horns which once sprouted from their heads have not. With the Scotch Whisky Experience building at the top of the Royal Mile currently undergoing restoration work, an opportunity has arisen to make the sculptures complete once again. The original horns were crafted from wood and lead. Ross Morris, head of facilities and IT at the Scotch Whisky Experience, is a keen woodworker in his spare time and has taken on the task of creating the replacement unicorn horns in his home workshop. Once completed, the horns will be installed in situ on top of the building. Mr Morris hopes to complete the work ahead of National Unicorn Day on April 9. A spokeswoman for the Scotch Whisky Experience said: 'According to myth and legend, unicorns are immortal creatures, meaning they can never die, but they do sometimes need a little TLC. 'Our wonderful unicorns, crowning the facade of our building on Castlehill, were crafted in the 1800s from sandstone, oak, and lead. While their spirit is immortal, their oak horns were not. 'Our unicorns also carry the heritage of other enchanting creatures, as they are believed to be sculpted from Corncockle sandstone, a material renowned for preserving ancient dinosaur footprints.' The visitor attraction is investing £750,000 in a meticulous like-for-like restoration to preserve its B-listed building in Edinburgh's World Heritage Site. Formerly Castlehill School, it dates back to 1887 and was designed by the architect Robert Wilson. As part of the restoration 'whiskies of the month' will be themed around unicorns, featuring stories and imagery of the mythic beasts, and there will also be a unicorn-themed cocktail available in the bar. Once complete, the unicorns will form part of a 'unicorn trail' stretching down the Royal Mile, including sculptures and carvings at Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, the Mercat Cross, the gates of Holyrood Palace and the Queen's Gallery. The Scotch Whisky Experience is shortly planning to launch a naming competition for the two sculptures.
The Independent
03-03-2025
- General
- The Independent
Unicorn sculptures on Royal Mile to have missing horns restored
A pair of unicorn sculptures in one of Edinburgh's most iconic locations will have their missing horns restored to their former glory. The 19th century animal statues adorn the facade of the Scotch Whisky Experience, in front of the Edinburgh Castle esplanade. While the horse sculptures themselves have withstood the test of time, the horns which once sprouted from their heads have not. With the Scotch Whisky Experience building at the top of the Royal Mile currently undergoing restoration work, an opportunity has arisen to make the sculptures complete once again. The original horns were crafted from wood and lead. Ross Morris, head of facilities and IT at the Scotch Whisky Experience, is a keen woodworker in his spare time and has taken on the task of creating the replacement unicorn horns in his home workshop. Once completed, the horns will be installed in situ on top of the building. Mr Morris hopes to complete the work ahead of National Unicorn Day on April 9. A spokeswoman for the Scotch Whisky Experience said: 'According to myth and legend, unicorns are immortal creatures, meaning they can never die, but they do sometimes need a little TLC. 'Our wonderful unicorns, crowning the facade of our building on Castlehill, were crafted in the 1800s from sandstone, oak, and lead. While their spirit is immortal, their oak horns were not. 'Our unicorns also carry the heritage of other enchanting creatures, as they are believed to be sculpted from Corncockle sandstone, a material renowned for preserving ancient dinosaur footprints.' The visitor attraction is investing £750,000 in a meticulous like-for-like restoration to preserve its B-listed building in Edinburgh's World Heritage Site. Formerly Castlehill School, it dates back to 1887 and was designed by the architect Robert Wilson. As part of the restoration 'whiskies of the month' will be themed around unicorns, featuring stories and imagery of the mythic beasts, and there will also be a unicorn-themed cocktail available in the bar. Once complete, the unicorns will form part of a 'unicorn trail' stretching down the Royal Mile, including sculptures and carvings at Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, the Mercat Cross, the gates of Holyrood Palace and the Queen's Gallery. The Scotch Whisky Experience is shortly planning to launch a naming competition for the two sculptures.
