I am helping to raise funds for a bronze replacement for this famous local landmark, 'The Whalebone at North Birsay' by donating 25% of all sales from my watercolour limited edition print which I painted several years ago. The whalebone finally blew over in April 2023 in a bad gale after previous years of detioration and on going repairs. The Birsay community have taken the decision to replace it with a bronze replica and are raising funds for thier cause. They have a target of £70,000 which is well underway. The history of the whalebone sculpture is that in the 1870's a large whale was washed ashore below the area where the sculpture was erected. The remnants of the whale lay on the shore for at least 25yrs with the erection of the sculpture being done later. The sculpture provided a meeting place for locals where they gathered for picnics, weddings and other rememberances.
If you would like to purchase a print go to Limited edition print/Whale bone at North Birsay – www.janeglue.com
You can also donate at Commemorate the Birsay whalebone!
More information can also be found at Birsay whalebone – Birsay Heritage Trust