The famous Bamse statue in Montrose has been replicated in miniature for worldwide distribution.
In response to inquiries from around the globe, the Montrose Heritage Trust has commissioned a new statue of the famous Norwegian sea dog Bamse but this time only 8″ (20cm) tall.
The new model has been made by the original sculptor Alan Herriot, and is being manufactured in Scotland and issued in a numbered series by Ballantynes of Walkerburn.
Prince Andrew unveiled the original larger-than-life-sized statue of Bamse, a St Bernard, at Montrose Harbour in October 2006.
A similar sized statue was unveiled in the dog’s home town of Honningsvag in Norway in June 2009.
A half-sized bronze version was exhibited at the Imperial War Museum in London from 2006 until 2007 and is now on display at the Marine Museum in Horten, Norway.
These statues, the best-selling book Sea Dog Bamse and numerous TV, radio and newspaper features have resulted in widespread interest in the remarkable saga of the St Bernard war hero.
The statues will be available to purchase through Highland Scene, Montrose, the Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre and HM Frigate Unicorn in Dundee.
All sales will help the heritage trust, the air station and the Unicorn to continue their work.
Dr Andrew Orr of the heritage trust said, “We are absolutely delighted with the finished product a real work of art in its own right.
“It’s a worthy tribute to the remarkable dog.”
The St Bernard was stationed in Montrose with a Norwegian vessel in the second world war.