Latest news with #FiveSisters
The National
5 days ago
- General
- The National
Renowned artist's work 'should be moved from Tate Modern to Scotland'
The two pieces by John Latham – a 20th century British-Northern Rhodesian artist – were purchased by the London gallery in 1976. The first piece, Derelict Land Art: Five Sisters, is a panel with 16 photographs which show views of one of several shale heaps (known as Bings) which Latham studied in the Midlothian and West Lothian regions while on a placement with the Scottish Government agency, the Scottish Development Department. John Latham (Image: Getty Images) During his time as a civil servant there – as part of the Artist's Placement Group, which worked to place artists in administrative organisations – Latham considered the problem of derelict land, and wrote a report recommending the preservation of five of the Bing sites as monuments. The second piece is the Five Sisters Bing, a sculpture of five books spread out onto a flat book, which resembles the shape and appearance of the Five Sisters Bing, a heap of red shale with five summits which spans across 56 acres at West Calder in West Lothian. READ MORE: Fundraiser gig announced for Glasgow DJ diagnosed with untreatable brain tumour The pieces were first displayed by the Tate Modern in 1976, the year that they were created by Latham. Calls to move the artwork to Scotland have been made ahead of a new community space which is set to open in West Calder next year. Campaigners hope that the artwork can be displayed at the new Scottish Co-op Discovery Centre, a heritage attraction which is set to open in a historic building. Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley and Scottish Government Justice Secretary, has written to Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Secretary Angus Robertson to seek advice on how to return the artwork to Scotland. Angela Constance (Image: PA) In her letter, Constance said: "It is important for the heritage of the community that the artwork is returned and displayed at the Scottish Co-op Discovery Centre as requested by the local development trust. "West Lothian has a long and proud tradition of cooperation. It is in this spirit that we request the return of John Latham's artwork to its rightful home in West Calder." Constance added that she would "welcome any assistance your office can provide in securing the safe return of this artwork to my constituency of Almond Valley". READ MORE: £250m cash injection for nukes branded 'gimmick' as Ian Murray makes Scotland trip Constance's calls were echoed by the Scottish Co-Operative Discovery Centre, which said it "seem[ed] right" that it served as the permanent home for Latham's work. Matt Pearce, the centre's project director, said: "The display spaces in the new Discovery Centre actually look out over The Five Sisters Bing and it was shale miners who started West Calder Co-operative. "It just seems right that the artwork finds a permanent home here in our community and where anyone can appreciate it." A Scottish Government spokesperson told The National: 'As the artwork was purchased by the Tate, it is legally owned by them. "An approach for a loan or purchase would need to be made directly to Tate Modern.'
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Lemur at West Lothian zoo claims Guinness World Record
The ring-tailed lemur called Stumpy celebrated not only his 39th birthday but also recognition as the oldest living lemur in captivity. Staff at a West Lothian zoo have celebrated a world record after an adorable lemur in their care made it into the Guinness book of World records. The ring-tailed lemur called Stumpy celebrated not only his 39th birthday but also recognition as the oldest living lemur in captivity. The mature primate, whose slightly shortened tail is what led to his name, is described as 'a firm favourite with staff and visitors' alike. He was born in June 1986 in Surrey before moving to Scotland and has resided at Five Sisters since 2005. He currently lives there with two of his sons, Red, aged 21, and 20-year-old Julian – themselves both a respectable age for their kind. Five Sisters' Senior Animal Keeper, Gemma Varley said: 'He loves to sunbathe and eat fresh browse (his favourite is willow) and he loves sweet potato. 'Stumpy's birthday is a big event. He celebrates with his sons and enjoys a bit of birthday cake made from special primate pellet. 'While he does have some arthritis, he has been blessed with good health. He does need some extra care, such as daily medications for his arthritis, weekly weigh-ins and his scent glands often overgrow, but he allows us to trim these voluntarily through positive-reinforcement training. Over his lifetime, Stumpy has done his bit for lemur conservation and public engagement by siring a total of 11 offspring. His progeny have gone on to produce 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. All six great-grandchildren now live at Attica Zoo in Greece. GWR's Senior Managing Editor, Adam Millward, who worked with the zoo on the verification process, was delighted by the final result. He said: 'Reaching such a grand age –we're talking living well over a decade beyond what is typical for your kind – is impressive for any species. With this record, there's now no question that Stumpy has truly earned his stripes! 'I hope he enjoyed his special day – and paws crossed we hear from Five Sisters Zoo again for the big 4-0 next year.'
Edinburgh Live
16-06-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Lemur at West Lothian zoo breaks world record and becomes 'world's oldest'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A record breaking lemur at a West Lothian zoo has made history and become the oldest in the world in captivity. Stumpy, the ring-tailed lemur celebrated his 39th birthday on Sunday, June 15, surrounded by keepers and visitors at Five Sisters Zoo. Also present were the Stumpy's two sons, Red (aged 21) and Julian (aged 20), who still share an enclosure with their dad, reports The Daily Record. According to the zoo, Stumpy - who is one of their most beloved residents - has now achieved worldwide recognition and his status as the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity has now been confirmed by the Guinness World Records. In human care, ring-tailed lemurs usually live to be between 20 to 25, while it's rare for the species to reach the age of 20 in the wild. But despite age-related arthritis and reduced eyesight, Stumpy remains in a surprisingly healthy condition thanks to decades of dedicated care from the Five Sisters Zoo team. Born in 1986 in Surrey, Stumpy moved to Scotland back in 2005 and has been a well loved member of the zoo's family ever since. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox According to the zoo, Stumpy is known as "a firm favourite with staff and visitors alike". Over the years, he has become among the zoo's most iconic and enduring characters. Having been at Five Sisters for nearly two decades, Stumpy's health and wellbeing have been sustained through a tailored and evolving programme of specialist care. According to the team, his longevity is thanks to the close attention and commitment of the zoo's keepers, veterinary staff, and animal welfare experts. Senior Management at Five Sisters Zoo Gary Curran commented: "Stumpy has been with us since day one, and we've grown together. "He's taught us so much—from refining his care routine to adapting our enrichment strategies—and we're incredibly proud to see that recognised by Guinness World Records. He's an absolute character, and a real ambassador for what long-term, focused animal care can achieve." Five Sisters states that Stumpy has contributed significantly to lemur conservation and education, and over his lifetime he has fathered 11 offspring. His children have gone on to produce 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and even one great-great-granddaughter, with many of his descendants now living at zoos across Europe. As well as offering up-close Lemur Experiences for the public, Five Sisters Zoo partners with SEED Madagascar, a conservation charity working to protect lemur populations and habitats in the wild. The zoo uses Stumpy's story to highlight the importance of long-term care, conservation, and species survival. Guinness World Records Senior Managing Editor Adam Millward, who worked with the zoo on the verification process, was delighted by the final result. He said: "Reaching such a grand age—we're talking living well over a decade beyond what is typical for your kind—is impressive for any species. "With this record, there's now no question that Stumpy has truly earned his stripes! I hope he enjoyed his special day—and paws crossed we hear from Five Sisters Zoo again for the big 4-0 next year." According to Five Sisters Zoo, Stumpy's record-breaking age serves as a milestone not only for the zoo itself but the wider conservation community and demonstrates the power of ongoing education, expert care, and advocacy. More information on Stumpy's story can be found on the Five Sisters Zoo website.
Daily Record
16-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Adorable lemur at Scottish zoo makes history as he is crowned 'world's oldest'
Stumpy celebrated his 39th birthday on June 15, a new record. A lemur at a Scottish zoo has made history as the oldest in the world in captivity. The ring-tailed lemur lives at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian. Stumpy celebrated his 39th birthday on Sunday, June 15, surrounded by keepers and visitors. Also present were the lemur's two sons, Red (aged 21) and Julian (aged 20), who still share his enclosure. One of Five Sisters' most beloved residents, according to the zoo, Stumpy has now achieved worldwide recognition. His record as the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity has been confirmed by the Guinness World Records. Ring-tailed lemurs usually live to between 20 and 25 in human care, while it is rare to reach age 20 in the wild. However, despite age-related arthritis and reduced eyesight, Stumpy remains in surprisingly healthy condition thanks to decades of dedicated care from the zoo's animal team. The lemur was born in 1986 in Surrey, before moving to Scotland in 2005. He has been a beloved member of the Five Sisters Zoo family ever since. According to the zoo, Stumpy is known as "a firm favourite with staff and visitors alike". Over the years, he has become among the zoo's most iconic and enduring characters. Having been at Five Sisters for nearly two decades, Stumpy's health and wellbeing have been sustained through a tailored and evolving programme of specialist care. According to the team, his longevity is thanks to the close attention and commitment of the zoo's keepers, veterinary staff, and animal welfare experts. Senior Management at Five Sisters Zoo Gary Curran commented: "Stumpy has been with us since day one, and we've grown together. "He's taught us so much—from refining his care routine to adapting our enrichment strategies—and we're incredibly proud to see that recognised by Guinness World Records. He's an absolute character, and a real ambassador for what long-term, focused animal care can achieve." Five Sisters states that Stumpy has contributed significantly to lemur conservation and education, and over his lifetime he has fathered 11 offspring. His children have gone on to produce 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and even one great-great-granddaughter, with many of his descendants now living at zoos across Europe. As well as offering up-close Lemur Experiences for the public, Five Sisters Zoo partners with SEED Madagascar, a conservation charity working to protect lemur populations and habitats in the wild. The zoo uses Stumpy's story to highlight the importance of long-term care, conservation, and species survival. Guinness World Records Senior Managing Editor Adam Millward, who worked with the zoo on the verification process, was delighted by the final result. He said: "Reaching such a grand age—we're talking living well over a decade beyond what is typical for your kind—is impressive for any species. "With this record, there's now no question that Stumpy has truly earned his stripes! I hope he enjoyed his special day—and paws crossed we hear from Five Sisters Zoo again for the big 4-0 next year." According to Five Sisters Zoo, Stumpy's record-breaking age serves as a milestone not only for the zoo itself but the wider conservation community and demonstrates the power of ongoing education, expert care, and advocacy.
