A new top-of-the-range “people’s piano” will soon be installed at Dundee train station after the first was damaged beyond repair by thugs.
The original instrument had been donated by local man Dave Patterson, 86, as a tribute to his music-loving wife Jean, who died earlier this year.
After it was vandalised, Dundonian Greg Joiner set-up a fundraiser in the hope of collecting enough money to replace the piano, declaring “yobs don’t represent my city”.
Hundreds of people backed the crowdfunder appeal, raising a total of £4,419.
The money has now been used to purchase the new piano, a “beautiful” upright Yamaha U 3, as well as a stool.
Scotrail, Mr Patterson, and Biggars music store in Glasgow are all working hard to have the instrument in place at the station in time for the opening of the new £80 million V&A museum on September 15.
It will no longer be housed in the concourse, but will instead be kept at the foot of the escalators so it can be monitored by ticket staff to prevent any repeat of the vandalism.
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It will feature two brass plates — the original, which was dedicated to Jean, and one declaring it to be “the People’s Piano funded by donations from the citizens of Dundee and friends of the city worldwide”.
The new piano is as “good as anything at any station in Britain” according to Mr Patterson.
“It’s a marvellous piano and one that I think fits with our aspirations as a city,” he said.
“Everyone is on board to get it in place in time for the V&A opening. It’s all working out.
“We will just have to trust and pray that it won’t get vandalised this time.
“All the money donated is just fantastic.”
The total cost of the piano was £4500, so Mr Patterson covered the extra that was needed.
The original instrument was unveiled at the opening of the £38 million station in July.
Mr Patterson’s wife worked for Scotrail at the old station but sadly died in February this year following a battle with Alzheimer’s.
Just over a month later, the piano, which had become a hugely popular centrepiece, was trashed by vandals.
The new piano is expected to be delivered within the next week and locals hope to organise a community concert to mark the occasion.
