Snappy sculpture to commemorate J M Barrie

The National Trust for Scotland is launching a new garden in celebration of the life and work of Scottish writer J M Barrie.

The author’s birthplace in Kirriemuir now has its own unusual hook – a life-size sculpture of Tick Tock the crocodile.

To capture the magic of Barrie’s iconic tale, Peter Pan, the new garden will be filled with Neverland-style jungle plant life and pirate themed installations for visitors to explore once it’s completed later this year.

In the centre of this adventurous new addition to the property, the gardening team has installed a scale model of Tick Tock, the popular crocodile who infamously took Captain Hook’s hand. The statue, crafted entirely from driftwood by international sculptor James Dorran-Webb, will also make the clock ticking noise that has made the character memorable for generations.

Chris Wardle, National Trust for Scotland Garden Manager for Aberdeen and Angus, has been leading the project, aiming to tell the story of J M Barrie’s childhood in Scotland and how his early life in the weaver’s house inspired his work.

Chris said: ‘J M Barrie is one of Scotland’s most creative storytellers, it’s hugely important that the we continue to tell the tale behind the writer. To reflect the magic that his work is known for, we’re thrilled to reveal this celebratory garden.

‘Initially, the property had a small suburban garden paying homage to J M Barrie but this fell into disrepair over the years. Now we’re aiming to reintroduce the people of Scotland to this story and provide a new place for families to adventure and discover Neverland here in the heart of Angus.

‘We’re really excited for this project to blossom and can’t wait to see the garden later this summer, which will help us share this story with visitors in a new way.’

Following the installation of Tick Tock the crocodile, the National Trust for Scotland will be hosting a community planting day for the public in mid-April. Volunteers can help sow the seeds for the rest of the Neverland garden project, with the official opening at Kirriemuir being set for later this year.

To find out more information about the community planting day at Barrie’s Birthplace, contact Cameron Hinde at chinde@nts.org.uk

For more information on Barrie’s Birthplace, visit www.nts.org.uk.