Can anyone help save the Titanic?
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A PLEA has been issued to save a popular Inverness maritime attraction which is beginning to deteriorate following the death of its creator.
An 88ft long replica of the Titanic was built by Stan Fraser in the garden at his home in Clachnaharry Road using salvaged materials.
Mr Fraser, who suffered from ME, died earlier this year aged 53.
A fan of the replica ship which formed part of Mr Fraser’s ShipSpace museum is now hoping it can be saved.
George Glaister, a semi-retired businessman of Evanton, first came across the large-scale model several years ago while walking along the towpath of the Caledonian Canal.
"It was incredible inside," Mr Glaister recalled. "At the time I was in it, I didn’t realise it was actually three caravans which formed the nucleus."
But while walking by the canal recently, he noticed the model had started to deteriorate.
Mr Glaister hopes to contact Mr Fraser’s family to seek their approval in saving the Titanic.
"I don’t want to upset the family," he said. "They may even feel it is a shame that is deteriorating.
"I reckon in a year or two it will have deteriorated beyond hope which would be such a sad end to it."
He is offering to act as an interim co-ordinator for any group or individuals interested in its restoration.
"Maybe it could be moved into covered storage where it could be restored as a project, either for apprentice joiners and painters, senior school pupils or groups such as the Men’s Sheds," he said.
Mr Glaister said Inverness had lost many features and buildings over the years.
"When you see something like this being lost in tragic circumstances, I suppose you have to put your head above the parapet and see if something can be done to save it."
Mr Fraser was fascinated with the story of the Titanic which struck an iceberg and sank on its maiden voyage in 1912 and opened his museum to the first visitor on April 10, 2012 – the 100th anniversary of the sailing.
Over the years, he continued to build up ShipSpace with visitors allowed free entry but being invited to make a contribution to the RNLI.
He had also drawn up an ambitious vision to extend it along the canal to create a park area and fun and informative visitor attraction for the city.
Anyone wanting to contact Mr Glaister should email getmobile@hotmail.co.uk
