Giant Scotsman could be moved from Scotty’s Motel, here are some alternative locations

Don’t tell Scotty, but Scotty’s got to go. After news that Scotty’s Motel may be rezoned, an Adelaide identity wants to find the statue a new home. Here’s some ideas.

The Giant Scotsman statue which has been part of Scotty’s Motel, Medindie since 1962. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dean Martin

The Giant Scotsman could join the big Father Christmas at the Adelaide Central Market under a proposal to save the iconic kilted sculpture from the potential scrap heap.

History Trust chief executive Greg Mackie wants to find a new home for the Medindie icon, whose place on Scotty's Motel could be given up for a new housing development.

The Advertiser revealed yesterday the motel’s owners have lodged a rezoning request that could potentially transform the site on the intersection of Nottage Tce and Main North Rd into housing and shops.

History Trust of SA chief executive and Adelaide City Councillor Greg Mackie.

Mr Mackie did not want to see the 5m Scotsman, which has been part of Adelaide’s landscape for nearly 60 years, lost.

“We can protect the object,” he said. “I am the people’s keeper of our State History Collection – over 50,000 objects of material culture of significance to South Australia’s stories.”

Mr Mackie spoke to the Scotsman’s owner Yanka Shopov, 86, on Monday, and suggested she could gift “Big Scotty” to the history collection.

“Mrs Shopov seemed positively disposed to the idea but added that this could still be some years away, and likely not until after her passing,” he said.

“Should a gifting occur the History Trust of SA can ensure its preservation for future generations.

“While part of its intrinsic value involves its location, should that prove impossible to achieve, then the History Trust can explore options for its secure public display at an alternate location where there will be hundreds of thousands of viewings in any given year.”

Paul Kelly, the creator of the Giant Scotsman, which was believed to be the first of Australia’s ‘Big Things’.

He said he could explore with Adelaide Central Market Authority chairman Theo Maras for the fibreglass sculpture, designed by Adelaide artist Paul Kelly, to be temporarily displayed inside the much-loved food hall.

The iconic Father Christmas has adorned the heritage facade of the central market since 2014 after it was removed from its traditional location on Rundle Mall.

Mr Mackie said the Scotsman could eventually be part of a “future” Adelaide Museum of South Australian History.

“We are working with the government toward that outcome,” he said of the museum.

An Advertiser.com.au poll of more than 2500 people found that 71 per cent wanted to see the icon saved.

THE ADVERTISER’S RESIDENT SCOTSMAN MICHAEL MCGUIRE SUGGESTS OTHER POTENTIAL HOMES FOR THE STATUE

The Giant Scotsman imagined in other Scotland-related places in South Australia.

LARGS PIER HOTEL – Many Scottish connections by the water. Largs is a seaside town near Glasgow. Australia’s finest bagpipe player, and former Adelaide resident, Bon Scott (just listen to It’s a Long Way to the Top if You Want to Rock ‘n’ Roll) played there with AC/DC. Another Glaswegian in Jimmy Barnes made noise there.

The historic Largs Pier Hotel celebrating its 100th birthday in 1982. Courtesy of Ken Charlton and the Department of the Environment

EDINBURGH – The suburb and RAAF base is named after the Scottish capital, so that could be a homecoming for Scotty. The giant Scotsman could also be useful for RAAF pilots. For example, if their radar systems failed, Scotty could act as a giant, kilted lighthouse to guide the aircraft safely home.

The Edinburgh air force base in Adelaide's North. (AAP Image/Kelly Barnes) NO ARCHIVING

STRATHALBYN – A pretty town in the Adelaide Hills famous for its antique shops. But it needs a giant Scot if its going to live up to its name. There area number of theories on the name of Strathalbyn but one is it derives from two Gaelic words – strath meaning valley and Alba, meaning Scotland. Thus Strathalbyn is the valley of the Scots.

Strathalbyn means “Valley of the Scots” so would be an apt home for a homeless Scotsman.

NARACOORTE – A country town with strong Scottish heritage. Naracoorte was founded by Scotsmen John Robertson and William McIntosh, so a large countryman looking for a new home would be entirely appropriate. And once they get sick of him, they could just stick him down a cave.

Naracoorte, famous for its caves, has strong Scottish roots.

BANKSA – Sure, playing to stereotypes here. But Scottish folk and money and all that. Let’s just say a big Scotsman lurking outside the State Bank of South Australia back in the bad old days, may have had Tim Marcus Clarke reconsidering some of his more reckless decisions.

PUBS – And while on stereotypes. Outside a pub. Any pub really.

SA POLICE HEADQUARTERS – Could then rename it Scotland Yard. The HQ is already in Angas St, which is a pretty Scottish sounding name, even if George Fife Angas was from England.

The SA Police headquarters on Angas Street, Adelaide.

MAGILL – The suburb in Adelaide was originally called Makgill, an ancient Scottish name brought to SA by a chap called Robert Cock, who arrived on the Buffalo. Sir David Maitland Makgill was trustee to the Cock family but somewhere along the way, the K was dropped. Maybe Scotty could be placed beside the nearby Migrant Monument at Campbelltown, another name with strong Scottish connections.