It’s story began in 2001.  Alasdair Houston (1962-2021), farmer and owner of a tourism/hospitality business at Gretna Green, had the idea of creating a border landmark to as a cultural catalyst for regeneration to help Dumfries and Galloway recover from the impact of foot and mouth. Alasdair led the project with his innate enthusiasm until his untimely death in 2021.  His wife, Lucy Houston is now Chair of Star of Caledonia Trust, has a singular focus to see vision transformed into reality.

Early investment by Dumfries and Galloway Council, Creative Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and the Nuclear Decommissioning Fund enabled design development and feasibility planning.

Local resident and world-renowned landscape architect Charles Jencks (1939-2019) was appointed as Creative Director.  The basis of creative direction evolved with input from the community, Scottish academics and cultural thinkers.

In 2011 ‘The Great Unknown’ competition was launched to come up with a design for the landmark - Cecil Balmond’s Star of Caledonia was the winner. Jencks and Balmond collaborated closely to develop the concept celebrating innovation, discovery and identity.  The proposals were well-received when they were displayed at The Scottish Parliament.

Planning consent was gained in 2013 and since then Gretna Landmark Trust (GLT) has been striving to raise £8m plus VAT to build The Star – a price that has risen substantially with the immense increase in world steel prices.

In 2019 the project was included in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal with the promise of £1.5 million subject to match funding. Community Windpower Ltd (CWL) has provided a huge boost to the project through pledging £5.5m funding subject to final technical design and viability.  In April 2021 South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) provided grant funding to develop the business plan.

Cecil Balmond, supported by a regional technical design team, is now leading the final design to ensure that the artwork is accessible to all and offers a remarkable experience for those who visit.

Hurdles remain, but hopes are high that Star Caledonia will soon rise over the Gretna border, just as Scotland is seeking to rebuild after COVID