Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell visited the Maczek Map at Barony Castle Hotel, Eddleston this week to find out more about the project to restore it.
The Map was built by General Maczek and his fellow Polish companions as a permanent three-dimensional reminder of their part in Scotland’s defence and of Scotland’s wartime hospitality but has fallen into disrepair after years of neglect. The model map of Scotland is believed to be the largest of its type in the world and is close to achieving listed status from Historic Scotland.
The project has recently been granted charitable status and has been given £20, 000 worth of funding from the Lottery. Mr Mundell was keen to visit the map for himself after being contacted by enthusiast and Mapa Steering Group member David Peck. Mr Mundell was extremely impressed both by the map itself and the hard work, dedication and progress the team behind the project had demonstrated. The local MP has pledged to do what he can to support the project and is hoping to attend the debate and reception for the Maczek Map being held in the Scottish Parliament on the 19th September.
Commenting after his site visit David Mundell MP said: “This project is very exciting, the map itself is genuinely astounding and it has a great story behind it. The Mapa team have worked really hard to get this project off the ground and their determination is really starting to pay off.
“I am keen to do everything I can to support them, particularly as they move to the next stage of their fundraising effort. I would thoroughly recommend that people go along and take a look at this remarkable piece of history for themselves.”
The Maczek Map is now signposted from the car park at the Barony Castle Hotel, Eddleston.