A plan has been set in motion to find enthusiasts willing to take on the responsibility of a 91-year-old road roller after councillors on the cash-strapped authority rejected the idea of selling off the “beautiful machine”.
The former Angus County Council Fowler engine has been a familiar local sight, both during and after its working life, but is now in need of a major overhaul which could run to tens of thousands of pounds.
It is currently looked after and maintained by Sidlaws enthusiasts who have regularly given the ‘King of the Road’ outings at the Angus and Kirriemuir shows.
The engine’s future came up for discussion at the authority’s communities committee in Forfar. Elected members were presented with a range of options, including selling the machine, currently insured for £80,000. It could fetch less than half that figure.
Roads officials said there have already been expressions of interest in a lease arrangement and councillors backed the idea of striking a deal which would allow the engine to continue to be enjoyed at regular events. Glamis-based Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club was flagged as a potential destination.
Angus Provost Ronnie Proctor said: “I think it is very important that this steam engine is still able to be seen out and about in Angus as a heritage item but given the current financial situation, I don’t think Angus Council should have to bear the burden of that.
“It’s a great asset and I think some sort of asset transfer would be the way forward,” said the Kirriemuir Conservative.
“This steam engine could continue to be a crowd-puller and I am sure there are groups who would be able to access funds that we as a council cannot help offset the costs of doing things like stripping down the boiler to keep it on the move.”
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Kirriemuir SNP councillor Julie Bell said: “This is a thing of tremendous beauty and historical interest and I would really rather see it transitioned to a community group that would get it out and about.”
Highlighting the community-led transformation of another Angus heritage asset, she said: “Kirriemuir camera obscura has a whole new vibrancy for that particular piece of engineering so I hope something could be replicated for this beautiful item.
Committee convener, Montrose Independent Mark Salmond said: “I think it’s important we know its value, and also get a professional costing of how much the boiler refurbishment might be.”
Councillors unanimously agreed to pursue the option of leasing the roller and transferring maintenance arrangements and costs.
In Monday’s paper, a photograph of a 1928 road roller owned by Margaret Smith of Kirriemuir was used to illustrate a story about the future of Angus Council’s 1928 road roller. We would like to point out that Mrs Smith’s vehicle is not for sale and is expected to feature of this year’s Glamis Extravaganza.
