The people of Dundee have been hailed after an incredible fundraising effort brought a brand new “People’s Piano” to the city’s railway station – just weeks after the original was trashed by vandals.
Local man Dave Patterson said he is “proud to be a Dundonian” after watching in delight as a gleaming Yamaha U3 was installed on the platform level of the busy stop-off on Thursday afternoon.
In early July the 86-year-old donated a piano for everyone to enjoy at the new £38 million station in memory of his wife Jean – but in late August it was targeted by vandals and damaged to such an extent it had to be removed.
Music-lover Jean, who died earlier this year following a battle with Alzheimer’s, retired from Dundee Station 25 years ago having spent much of her career working in admin with ScotRail.
A plaque paying tribute to her has been transferred to the new piano, and is now joined by one marking the crowdfunding appeal which paid for the new instrument – which raised £4,702.
It reads: “The People’s Piano – Funded by donations from the citizens of Dundee and friends of the city worldwide.”
The instrument is now located on the platform level of the station at the foot of the escalators – meaning anyone can use it and rail staff will also be able to keep a closer eye on its security.
ScotRail have also purchased a protective cover for the People’s Piano.
Mr Patterson said: “I can only say I’m more than ever proud to be a Dundonian in respect to the response to the unfortunate incident with the piano.
“I’m absolutely satisfied that the new location provides the piano with so much greater security. It’s been kind of an emotional rollercoaster but it’s ended wonderfully.
“I’m absolutely delighted and I think that when the people of Dundee see it and see what the contributions have gone towards I think we can all be justifiably proud that it is a piano that is as good as any other station piano in the country.
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“It was reinstated by the great generosity of the people of Dundee and from all parts of the world.
The new piano has arrived at Dundee Station! Right in time for #VADundee opening weekend. And the efforts of Dundonians have been commended in a second plaque. pic.twitter.com/qG1AHOvpDg
— Blair C Dingwall (@C_BDingwall) September 13, 2018
“I have to thank Greg Joiner and Helen of the Tatha Gallery for the magnificent fundraising effort. ScotRail also have been fantastic.”
He added, were it not for “thank you” cards sent to him from local children who used the first piano, he may not have been as determined to find a replacement.
Mr Patterson added: “They convinced me more than any other happening that the piano has been part of Dundee’s renaissance – everyone from children to concert professionals have taken it to their hearts.”
ScotRail area manager Steve Ewen said: “We’re delighted that the tribute to Jean is now back in the station for the people of Dundee and beyond to enjoy.
“It was a great disappointment with the first piano when we discovered it was damaged. It means a lot to us to have it back in the station.
“I think although the preference would have been to have it upstairs, because of the staffing level, it is much safer down here and much easier monitored.
“Additionally, ScotRail are funding a protective cover with a padlock on to secure it moving forward.”
