It takes a big girl from Dumfries to handle a giant. When Big Man Walking arrives in Dumfries on Saturday 29 May, he’ll be greeted not only by crowds of flag-waving people, but also by a willowy 6 metre tall maiden named Devorgilla… This is one of those times when size really does matter. Devorgilla will be waiting for The Big Man by the fountain in the picturesque High Street in Dumfries at 3.30pm. By then the object of her affections will be in need of some romantic rest and recuperation as he’ll already have walked through Dumfries’ streets and along the length of the River Nith. We hear that Devorgilla is all geared up to declare her love for him in a poem when he reaches the fountain. She’ll be quite an eyeful, with flowing hair and her best frock on, its design featuring the glorious landscape of Dumfries and Galloway, fields and hills and woods flowing down to the golden beaches, with the sea lapping around her mighty ankles. She will however be safely moored to a lamp post, because Devorgilla has been created out of willow by artist Susan McKay, with the help of the Cultural and Heritage Volunteers. And members of the Dumfries Scribblers writers group have helped Devorgilla to write her love poem to The Big Man, which she’ll read aloud to him on the big day. Workshops in Dumfries have been very, very busy, soaking bundles of willow, wielding secateurs and gaffa tape, gluing paper over the frame and decorating it. Artist Susan McKay, who was born and bred in Dumfries, said “I thought it was a wonderful idea, to make a lady for him. I was inspired by Botticelli’s Venus – you know, rising from the waves, very feminine, serene and archetypal. Then I found out that the name Devorgilla means a pledge or promise. She’s a kind of metaphor for Dumfries and Galloway, authentic, unspoilt beauty”. Susan, who trained in Edinburgh and Dundee before returning to live and work in Dumfries, is primarily a ceramicist and stained glass artist, who says she thinks in 3D. She works from her studio in the town, she has exhibited in Spring Fling, and she also works extensively as a teacher and workshop leader. Susan’s work is well known to many in Dumfries, as she was one of the mainstays of Dumfries & Galloway Arts Association’s lantern workshops before Burns Light. Susan said, “I can’t wait for the 29th! It’s such an exciting idea, a great blue giant out of the mists of time visiting your home town. I’m very proud to be working with the community to make him a girlfriend!” Big Man Walking is part of Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival, which takes place this year from 21 – 30 May. Big Man will be starting his walk from the Fountain in the High Street at 1pm. This event is being organised by Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival working in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Arts Association. Funding comes from EventScotland, Awards For All and Dumfries and Galloway Council to support the event costs and marketing which is focussed on bringing visitors into the region.
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