Spirit of The Annan (SoTA)
SoTA is a unique community project that will bring a stunning new sculpture to the heart of Annan, symbolising resilience, heritage, and the town’s future aspirations. The proposed location for the Sculpture will be at the Everholm on Battery Street at the site of the rundown playpark. We are hoping to redevelop this complete site including the Pavilion Building.
Created by local artist Nathan Robinson, this Sculpture will honour Annan’s history and community spirit, while inviting residents to actively participate in its creation. The project is in partnership with the community and in particular with the Tale of Two Bridges Group, who have generously gifted the metal from Annan’s washed-away bridges, which were lost in the 2021 floods. Together, these partnerships and community efforts will transform these reclaimed pieces into a lasting, iconic artwork that reflects the strength and unity of the people of Annan.
The Centrepiece aims to:
- Symbolise hope, resilience, and the communities pride.
- Involve the local community in every phase, from design to naming.
- Celebrate Annan’s heritage by repurposing historical materials.
- Build an attraction that draws visitors and unites local pride.
Spirit of The Annan (SoTA) Project: Our Journey So Far and What’s Next
The Spirit of The Annan (SoTA) project is a story of resilience, creativity, and community spirit, deeply rooted in Annan’s heritage and the town’s journey of recovery following the floods of 2021.
Key Facts and Context from Annan: The History Town Blueprint Report (November 2021):
- Purpose: SoTA is a landmark public sculpture, part of a broader vision to develop Annan as a visitor destination and boost the town’s appeal.
- Community Support: Over 80% of residents surveyed backed the idea of an iconic centrepiece to attract visitors.
- Complementary Projects: The centrepiece aligns with improvements to the Motte and Bailey site and Everholm area, forming part of a connected heritage experience.
- Strategic Objective: Aims to become a symbol of Annan’s identity as ‘The History Town,’ encouraging footfall and economic regeneration.
- Public Art Role: Recognised as vital to enhancing the townscape, reflecting Annan’s story, and creating visual impact.
- Funding and Phasing: Embedded in a long-term strategic plan requiring phased funding and continued community support.
Spirit of The Annan (SoTA) Project
Began to take shape following the feasibility study in November 2021, with its community-led delivery phase launching in June 2024. SoTA is a landmark sculpture celebrating the resilience and history of Annan. It draws inspiration from The Ballad of Annan Water and the river’s significance to the town’s identity. The sculpture will incorporate metal debris from the bridges washed away in the devastating 2021 floods, transforming destruction into renewal.
Driven by community involvement, the project so far has engaged over 300 residents in our forging workshops, producing nearly 200 unique metal pieces that will be woven into the final artwork. The project has also involved local schools, community groups, businesses, and funders, uniting the community in a shared creative journey.
SoTA will stand as a symbol of Annan’s strength and pride and will attract visitors to support the town’s regeneration and enhance its identity as a place of heritage and community spirit. It complements wider improvements to the Motte and Bailey and Everholm sites, together creating an interconnected story of Annan’s past, present, and future.
SoTa, has brought people together to forge not just metal, but a shared vision for the future of our town.
The Beginning: Forging Our History Together Our journey began with the formation of a Short Life Working Group (SLWG) – a dedicated group of residents, young people, and local organisations who came together to shape the future of this landmark project. Their input continues to guide the project, and we encourage anyone inspired by our story to join us and help shape the next chapter.
Community involvement has been at the heart of SoTA. Through our “Forging Our History Together” phase, over 300 people took up the hammer to create nearly 200 unique metal pieces. Each one will become part of the sculpture, a powerful symbol of Annan’s strength and creativity.
A Celebration of Creativity The end of this initial phase was marked with the FARRAGO event – a vibrant community celebration that brought together contributors, families, and supporters. It was a chance to reflect on what we had achieved and look forward to what lies ahead.
Involving the Next Generation We knew this project needed to inspire Annan’s future generations. Our Schools’ Myths and Legends of Annan Project took us into every primary school in Annan, Carrutherstown, and Annan Academy, engaging 500 pupils. Their creative work and enthusiasm were showcased in our Schools Creative Art Competition, adding colour and imagination to the journey.
Naming the Sculpture Our community played a vital role in choosing the name of the sculpture, ensuring it reflects the spirit and history of Annan. This was more than just a name; it was about ownership, pride, and connection.
Fuelled by Community Support None of this would be possible without the tireless work behind the scenes. As Annan the History Towns Development Officer, I have worked to secure funding from grants, donors, and benefactors. Community fundraising remains a crucial part of our efforts, and every contribution brings us closer to our goal.
Lights, Camera, Action! Excitingly, a promotional film capturing the essence of the SoTA journey is set to premiere at Annan Cinema on 15th March. It’s an unmissable celebration of our town’s creativity and resilience – so grab the popcorn and watch this space!
Breaking Ground While the creative side has flourished, we’ve also made significant progress with the technical aspects. Ground testing has been completed, a planning application is in motion, and building warrants are on the horizon.
Next Steps: From Bridges to Art One of the most powerful symbols of this project is the repurposing of metal from the bridges swept away in the floods. Soon, this ‘metal carnage’ will be removed, ready to be transformed into a sculpture that will stand as a beacon of hope and renewal.
Imagining the Future The vision for the SoTA site is coming to life – a space that will honour our history, welcome visitors, and stand as a source of pride for Annan. The sculpture will not only tell our story but draw people to the town, we are proposing that the playpark at the Eveholm be redeveloped including the abandoned Pavilion building, a new development that will boost local pride and our economy.
How You Can Be Part of It As we enter this exciting new phase, community involvement remains vital. Whether you join our SLWG, attend our events, or support our fundraising efforts, your help will shape the future of SoTA and Annan.
Together, we are not just rebuilding bridges; we are forging a future we can all be proud of – Let’s Make History Together!
Interested in Volunteering?
Please contact Gail McPhillips, Development Officer, via email at development@annanthehistorytown.org.
- Be part of a transformative community arts project.
- Gain hands-on experience in various event roles.
- Contribute to a lasting symbol of Annan’s history.
- All volunteers will receive expenses for their time.
Let’s make history together!
Fundraising for the £100,000 Target
We have a goal to raise £100,000 to bring this vision to life, and we’re thrilled by the support from people across Annan. Local residents, like Paul Harrington, are getting involved in unique ways – Paul will be running the 100k Canalathon as a sponsored run to raise funds for this project. Want to become a fundraiser yourself? You can start your own campaign or donate directly via our Localgiving page. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our target.
Ways to Support
- Become a Fundraiser: Start your own event or activity to raise funds. Contact us to get started.
- Donate: Scan our QR code to donate directly and make an impact.
- Volunteer: Join our team as a volunteer and lend your skills to this project.
How to Get Involved:
- Volunteer at the Sessions: Help with organizing, guiding participants, or assisting the artist.
- Forge Your Own Piece: Sign up for a session, learn about the craft, and leave 🌟 Volunteer Roles Available 🌟
For more information about this project please contact: Development Officer Gail McPhillips at developmentofficer@annanthehistorytowngroup.org