Delight as unique weather vane at a Sutherland care centre is restored to former glory in time for anniversary celebrations
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A UNIQUE weather vane at the Bradbury Centre in Bonar Bridge has been renovated as part of the facility’s 25th anniversary celebrations, writes Peter Newman.
The wrought iron weather vane was installed when the centre, which provides a care service for people over 60 and with learning disabilities, first opened in 1998.
It depicts the late Sir Allan Gilmour, a former Sutherland Lord Lieutenant and councillor, sitting in his favourite armchair with his faithful black labrador Toddy by his side.
The tribute to Col Gilmour was in thanks for his hard work and guidance in helping to bring the Bradbury Centre to fruition – the centre covers a large area from Dornoch and Embo out to Lairg and Rosehall.
The weather vane was originally made by John Duncan of the JD Welding Company in Brora, and he returned to refresh and refit the piece a quarter of a century on.
It had originally been painted by Shirley Maclean and she also was back to ensure that the Colonel took pride of place once again.
Bradbury Centre manager Lorraine Askew said: “The weather vane has always been on the roof, but through the years had become covered in rust and was looking awful.
“I thought that I would get it refurbished as a surprise for the 25th anniversary. It went back to the original maker, John Duncan, who took it all down and shot blasted it before giving it to Shirley to repaint.
“It now looks exactly like it did originally. It’s absolutely lovely and I can’t thank them enough for their work.”
Mrs Askew added that, thanks to funding from Awards for All, the Bradbury Centre was holding a week-long celebration later this month.
Amongst the events planned is a coffee morning by the Friends of the Bradbury Centre on Saturday, August 19 from 10.30pm.
And a week full of activities, outings and parties has been planned from Monday to Friday, August 21-25.
