More than 20,000 people have signed a petition calling for the installation of a bronze statue of Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor at the top of Ben Nevis.
What started life as an April Fools Day joke has spawned worldwide backing.
Connor Heggie, who set up the campaign, said it would help Scotland’s crisis-hit tourist economy by encouraging an influx of science fiction fans to the mountain.
The petition uses one of McGregor’s most famous lines in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, when his character tells former pupil and soon-to-be Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker: “I have the higher ground”.
The phrase has generated countless social media memes and even a parody song that has been watched nearly 5 million times.
Mr Heggie, from Newcastle, said he wanted to honour the “phenomenal” actor.
“Regardless of what people think of the prequel trilogy, most people will say that Obi Wan was done brilliantly. He made Obi Wan the popular character he is today.
“And I think he deserves something for it.”
He said a statue of Obi Wan Kenobi would be particularly fitting on a mountain known as Ben. “He would literally have the high ground, watching over all of Scotland. It’s poetic in a way.”
Mr Heggie wants a statue made from “copper, stone, bronze, brass, marble or iron” with a plaque that welcomes climbers with the phrase: “Hello there” – another fan favourite line from Star Wars.
“It would also have its benefits too, as the mountain would increase in popularity. Estimated ascents would increase. You would have Star Wars fans from around the world coming to Scotland to climb Ben Nevis to reach the ‘high ground’.
“I think it would be the perfect way to honour Ewan McGregor, a statue of his most iconic character on Scotland’s highest ground.”
The Pitlochry-based John Muir Trust, which manages the visitor impact at the Ben Nevis, was approached for comment.
An estimated 100,000 people ascend the mountain each year.
