Dear Editor:
I am a 12-year-old at John Black Public School.
I am here to remind the town of how they are taking down something that lots of people know and love, “the Defender of Blairgowrie” statue.
A living log, the tree has been with us for over 200 years, but it was carved 17 years ago by Sean Kosvic and his dad.
I feel slightly frustrated with the township for taking down something that they call “a safety hazard,” but in fact he is quite safe because it is quite easy to see. This makes it easier to avoid and the only risk it poses is falling down, but its trunk is really wide (and nor is he that tall) so that’s virtually impossible.
But if we consider him to be a hazard, why don’t we consider every other tree on the side of the sidewalk to be a hazard? It is an important symbol for Fergus and its connection to Scottish culture. It helps to blend our Fergus culture with Scottish culture.
Now can you please reconsider taking down the Scottish gentleman? Even if you do have to take this beautiful statue down, can you please recreate this statue out of another more sturdy material?
Adam Blenkiron,
Fergus