PICTURES: Newly unveiled Paddington bench is ‘brilliant for John O’Groats’
A little bear made a big impact at John O’Groats when a bench was unveiled to celebrate the latest Paddington movie.
Marmalade sandwiches, a favourite treat for the much-loved children’s character, were freely distributed and eagerly devoured as people of all ages gathered on Tuesday for what was described as a “momentous” occasion for the village.
The bench is located just off the turning circle near the John O’Groats signpost and it quickly became apparent that it will be a popular attraction for locals and tourists.
It is part of a trail called Paddington Visits, launched this week ahead of the famous bear’s return to the big screen in Paddington in Peru which is in cinemas from November 8.
The production company behind the latest release, StudioCanal, arranged for 23 Paddington statues to be installed from John O’Groats to Land’s End. The Caithness bench is one of only three in Scotland.
A small but enthusiastic crowd gathered on a showery, blustery autumn day as Walter Mowat, chairman of John O’Groats Development Trust, officially unveiled the statue – a meticulously crafted and painted figure wearing Paddington’s familiar red hat and blue duffle coat, and with a marmalade sandwich in his paw.
In a short speech, Walter called it “a momentous day” for John O’Groats.
He said afterwards: “The development trust encouraged Paddington to be placed here in John O’Groats as there’s one at Land’s End.
“We will now be looking after Paddington for the next number of years to make sure his seat is nice and clean and he is well looked after and he has enough marmalade sandwiches, especially in the cooler days of winter when he is used to the warm temperatures of Peru.
“Paddington is known worldwide and this is brilliant for John O’Groats.”
Marmalade sandwiches were handed out by Walter’s son Andrew Mowat, who is treasurer of John O’Groats Development Trust and runs Café Groats.
Andrew said: “Paddington is definitely going to enhance the experience at John O'Groats. The bench provides a lovely spot for visitors to relax and take photos.”
Children and staff from Canisbay Rainbow Nursery were among those who turned out to see the bench and to have their photos taken sitting on it.
Violet Davidson, early years practitioner at the nursery, said: “I think it’s absolutely brilliant. It’s lovely for all the bairns to come and see. It’s a great thing for Caithness to have it here.”
Paddington in Peru will be the bear’s third big-screen appearance, with Paddington hitting cinemas in 2014 before a sequel in 2017.
The new film sees Paddington return home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears, and a thrilling adventure ensues.
Paddington was created by children’s writer Michael Bond in the 1950s. More than 35 million Paddington books have been sold worldwide.
A spokesperson for StudioCanal said: “We are delighted to launch Paddington Visits, a trail which will see everyone’s favourite bear bringing fun, kindness and warmth to communities across the UK. Paddington is ready to welcome everyone!”
