Anam Cara Fasgadh has teamed up with Albie’s Gift to support the rejuvenation of a section of the Culloden Avenue, part of the planned Culloden Storybook Trail.
Albie’s Mum Daisy is a Director of Anam Cara Fasgadh. She says, “Culloden Avenue has always been a very special place for my family. Albie loved it there. It was the perfect spot to go for a walk, hunt for the Gruffalo and the other sculptured friends, learn to ride bikes, and finish off by feeding the ducks. It is a place full of memories, laughter and connection, and one that is used and loved by so many people in our community, young and old.
Albie should be turning four this year. At this age, he would be learning to ride his bike along the Avenue, just like so many of the boys and girls who are the same age as him now. In his memory, and with love, I want to create something lasting that celebrates him while giving back to the community he would have grown up in. The aim is to improve a section in memory of my son Albie, who passed away not long after his 1st birthday due to SUID.
Working in partnership with Culloden Community Council, local sculptor Iain Chalmers, Local Councillors, local schools, and community groups, we aim to raise funds to repair and refresh the existing wooden sculptures along the Avenue, many of which are now in need of attention. Alongside this, we plan to install new dinosaur sculptures, as Albie absolutely loved dinosaurs. These will be carved from dead or fallen trees, bringing new life and imagination to the path while remaining environmentally considerate. We also plan to sand and re install new benches along the path to provide seating areas for families, carers, and older members of the community who regularly use the Avenue for walking, resting, and socialising. Seasonal planting will be added, including shrubs, flowers and evergreens to ensure colour and interest throughout the year and Festive lighting is also planned to bring warmth and joy to the Avenue during the darker winter months. To enhance the storytelling element of the trail, we hope to install storyboards along the route, weaving a gentle narrative around the dinosaurs and existing sculptures, encouraging imagination, learning and shared experiences for children and families.
This project will benefit the whole community. For young children, it offers a safe, imaginative space to explore, learn, and play. For families, it provides a welcoming place to spend time together outdoors. For older residents, it offers improved seating, beauty, and a reason to pause, reflect and enjoy the surroundings. It will strengthen community pride, encourage outdoor activity, and enhance wellbeing for all who use the Avenue. Knowing how many people will enjoy Culloden Avenue, both now and for years to come, will be an incredibly special birthday gift for Albie, for our family, and for the community he would have loved to grow up in. This trail will stand as a living legacy in his memory, one filled with joy, imagination, and connection. “
Costs are:
£1,000 for new 8ft Gruffalo (old one cannot be saved),
£300 for new snake sculpture,
£1,000 for a new 8ft dinosaur sculpture
£300 for a new Gruffalo 3-foot sculpture,
£300 for small Triceratops sculpture,
£1,200 for 2 new dinosaur 5ft sculptures,
£1,000 for 2 x 5ft picnic tables
£2,250 for 3 days labour (may be extra charge for lorry hire with crane to get tables and large Gruffalo on site)
£277.50 for 15 storyboards
£359.96 for 4 large shrubs (£89.99 each)
£499.90 for 10 medium shrubs and plants (£49.99 each)
£359.80 for 20 small plants (£17.99 each)
£50 for assorted bulbs
£800 - £1,000 for festive lighting
Total: £9,897.16
We are inviting local businesses, organisations and individuals to play a part in this amazing project. Help us by donating whatever you can to the project.
Thank you, from all of us at Anam Cara Fasgadh, for being part of an amazing legacy.
