Mark Donald is opening his Star Wars garden to the public on May 4 to raise funds for the SSPCA
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THE local gateway to another universe is being re-opened to the public to raise funds for charity.
Sci-fi fanatic Mark Donald (48) will welcome visitors from near and far to his Star Wars garden at 10 Castle Street - featuring a number of new additions - in aid of the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).
He said: “Please come along anytime from midday-7pm on Star Wars Day, AKA Saturday, May 4.
“My garden is unique, there isn't anything like it anywhere near here.”
The kitchen porter has been creating the space devoted to the franchise he loves since 2017. Constantly adding to it and upgrading, he has built most of the spacecraft, model characters and props himself.
Since January, he has added a life size model, technical props and tweaked the landscape.
He said: “These include a Princess Leia made of 3D printed costume materials and other plastics pieced together. Money was tight at the start of the year but when bust became available I had to take it as the likeness was too good to pass up!
“I got it for just over £300, a total bargain. I added the costume and gave her a bottom half to bring her nearer to proper height and make her come to life.
“She’s one of the most iconic characters in Star Wars, the princess and Darth Vader’s daughter. My ‘New Hope’ version is the coolest!”
He added: “I've finished off a new moisture vaporiser and another mini black version I found online.
“I've also added other small landscape additions - containers and other materials.”
Visitors will find the display easer to find as Mark has also added new signage.
Younger attendees will now be offered keepsakes too.
Mark said: “A friend made me almost 100 Star Wars logos which I've sanded and painted to give to children on the open days.”
He added: “My daughters Nicole (14) and Caitlyn (11) will be helping out in Princess Leia and Ahsoka Tano character costumes.”
Having supported Macmillan Cancer Care with the proceeds from last year’s open days and collections, Mark now wants to support another charity that is close to his heart.
He said: “The SSPCA are well known for helping animals. I've got sponsor forms which I've already gone to a few doors with. I’ll continue to do that until nearer the last open day of the year, on August 3.”
The Star Wars garden admission is free but donations welcome.
