Annie Returns to New Look Home
A statue of a young girl setting out on holiday has returned to her new look home which has undergone a £5.2 million transformation.
‘Girl on a Suitcase’ was renamed ‘Annie’ by local primary school children soon after being installed in 2011.
Environment & Regeneration Vice Convener Councillor Gerry Dorrian said: “It is a year since Annie was temporarily removed to allow the £5.2 million regeneration of Gourock town centre to go ahead. That project is now all but completed so her return marks not only as an indication of the bright future in store for Gourock but also a link with the town’s history as a popular tourist destination.”
The artist Angela Hunter said: “"It is so nice to see the return of "Girl on a Suitcase" renamed "Annie" by the local primary school children, This figurative sculpture was inspired by the nostalgic era of "Doon the Watter" trippers but is also intended to connect with the public of today and have a timeless quality. She is scanning the horizon, full of anticipation and excitement of exploration ahead during her holiday.
I know from comments that I have had over the past four years that "Annie" has become a much loved figure in Gourock and I am happy that she has been accepted by the community."
The £5.2 million regeneration of Gourock has created a new one-way system, parking spaces and public realm works.
The project was delivered for Inverclyde Council by urban regeneration company Riverside Inverclyde.
Photo: Angela Hunter, Councillor Dorrian and Ward Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld.