'Burst of starlight': Artist explains design of controversial Star of Caledonia sculpture

The world-renowned artist behind a new giant sculpture planned for the Scotland-England border has said it is "amazing" to see his vision is finally coming to fruition. Fifteen years have passed since Cecil Balmond was chosen as the winner of a competition to design what would become the Star of Caledonia, which will stand near Gretna Green in Dumfries and Galloway. The winding steel sculpture, which will incorporate 100 LED lights, is inspired by the work of mathematician and physicist James Clerk Maxwell and his theory of electromagnetism. At a community celebration event in front of 300 guests, Balmond said that the landmark would act as a "heartwarming welcome into Scotland". The project began 25 years ago but various planning and financial setbacks have stalled progress. The design has changed from what was originally proposed, with the height of the Star reduced. The 33m (108ft) high artwork is expected to cost about £12m to build, with half of the funding coming from energy firm CWP Energy. It has divided opinion with some calling it "original" but others "truly awful". Balmond said it was "amazing" to see it get to the stage where work would soon start on what would be a "n