A NEWCOMER has made its home at a nature reserve near Glasgow – and is expected to draw the crowds.

The 14ft high carving of a Gruffalo, which was made by acclaimed Scottish sculptor Iain Chalmers, has been unveiled on the banks of Kilmardinny Loch, in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire.

The model, which was carved from a 200-year-old beech, was joined at the loch by four other wood carvings which include an owl and three log benches decorated with foxes, squirrels, fish and ducks.

Pupils from Mosshead and Bearsden primary schools went along to meet the Gruffalo, whose creator, author Julia Donaldson lives in Bearsden.

Iain, who took four days to complete the Gruffalo, said, "I have been wood carving for nine years now and the Gruffalo has been a very challenging project due to the size of the beech tree.

"However, I am glad the weather has been dry as it definitely helps."

The art project is a partnership between East Dunbartonshire Council and local group Kilmardinny Pals (Playpark and Loch Scheme).

Andy MacGregor, from Pals, said: "Pals began fundraising to improve the facilities at Kilmardinny Loch in 2006 and we have been working closely with the council to provide a new play park, pathways, signage and plant trees.

"This amazing wood carving of the Gruffalo will draw more visitors to the loch and let them appreciate the woodlands and the wildlife within this local nature reserve."

rachel.loxton@ heraldandtimes.co.uk