A unique, bronze puffin sculpture, which has spent the last six months travelling aboard a ferry between Aberdeen and the Northern Isles, has now been sold by auction on eBay to raise a staggering £1,750.00 to assist the Scottish Wildlife Trust, it was announced today (14 March 2011).

The life-size, limited edition sculpture, measuring 27cm in height, was installed on the NorthLink ferry, MV Hrossey, in August to spend the winter at sea mirroring the natural habits of its real-life counterparts.

 Donated by Derbyshire based sculptor and Scottish Wildlife Trust member, Eddie Hallam, the money raised through the sale of this unique work of art will go towards helping the Scottish Wildlife Trust, a wildlife conservation charity, continue to work to protect wildlife for the future. 

Eddie said, “I’ve been a member of the Trust for several years and I’m delighted to be able to give something back to support Scottish wildlife.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work closely with the Scottish Wildlife Trust, and I’m delighted the £1750 raised will help protect & preserve Scotland’s magnificent wildlife”  

 

Lucy Graham, the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Head of Development, said:  “The auction to own this remarkable wildlife sculpture was open for 10 days, with a call for last bids by 5 pm last night (Sunday 13 March).  We received 40 bids from 13 very generous bidders, and we are thrilled with the final sale price which will allow us to do more for Scottish wildlife.

“Part of our work is to maintain over 120 wildlife reserves across Scotland to benefit wildlife and conservation.  Puffins are one iconic part of the wide range of biodiversity we are working to protect, and can be seen on some of our coastal reserves including Hill of White Hamars on Orkney and Long Haven Cliffs near Aberdeenshire.  Thanks to Eddie Hallam’s talent and generosity, the auction of this puffin has been a fantastic way to raise money for our work.

Last year, the puffin sculpture set sail on an incredible adventure when it was attached to NorthLink ferry MV Hrossey to spend six months at sea like its real-life equivalents.  A competition to name the puffin was launched at that time, thanks to a partnership between Scottish Wildlife Trust, NorthLink Ferries, People’s Postcode Lottery, and VisitScotland.   

Clara Govier, People’s Postcode Lottery’s Head of Charities, said:  “Today’s news is a fantastic achievement, and adds to the support being raised by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery for the Scottish Wildlife Trust and other local charities. 

“Last August, we were very inspired about the inventive journey this puffin sculpture set out on.  We were delighted to get involved in the adventure by running a competition to name the puffin.

“The winning name Amber, chosen by the children of the Scottish Wildlife Trust watch group, The Great Auks, reflects the puffin’s conservation status as a species with an unfavourable but recovering conservation status in Europe.

Peter Hutchinson from NorthLink Ferries said “Two puffins on our ferries Hrossey and Hjaltland set out from the ferry terminal at Aberdeen in August to begin their adventures.  It’s fantastic to know that one has gone on to raise so much valuable support for the Scottish Wildlife Trust.  The other sculpture will remain with us and can be seen by passengers on our ferry MV Hjaltland.”

For more information about Eddie Hallam’s work, visit www.wildlifesculptures.co.uk.

***ENDS***

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND IMAGES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Nicola McGovern, PR and Communications Manager, Scottish Wildlife Trust, nmcgovern@swt.org.uk            

Notes to Editors

1.     The Scottish Wildlife Trust is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. The Scottish Wildlife Trust seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.

2.    The Scottish Wildlife Trust receives financial assistance and support from a range of organisations, funders and individuals including Scottish Natural Heritage and People’s Postcode Lottery.

3.     NorthLink Ferries sail each evening from Aberdeen to the Northern Isles and offers a regular shuttle service from Scrabster in Caithness to Stromness in Orkney.  Visit www.northlinkferries.co.uk for more information.

4.     VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourist board. Visit www.visitorkney.com to plan a break to Orkney.