Resort set for pier sculpture to mark tuna fishing history

Officers from Scarborough Council are recommending that the proposals to create a stainless steel fish sculpture close to the Marine Drive Toll House are given the go-ahead.

It is intended that the artwork will celebrate Scarborough’s bluefin tuna – also known as tunny – fishing history.

A report to be considered by councillors says: “The supporting statement advises that in the 1930s Scarborough was the centre for the bluefin tuna fishing, after the first tunny caught by rod and line, weighing 560 lbs, was caught in August 1930, with an even larger fish being landed in Scarborough in 1931, weighing in at 851 lbs.”

Members of the council’s planning and development committee will meet on Wednesday to discuss whether to grant approval.

The sculpture has been commissioned by Maureen Robinson, a Scarborough resident for the last fifty years, who wants to create a sculpture trail in the town, to recall its rich heritage for residents and visitors.

It is just over 2m in length and weighs just less than a ton and would sit on a concrete base.

It has been fabricated by Ray Lonsdale, who has designed and built other sculptures already displayed in the town including The Smuggler and his Apprentice on Merchant’s Row – also commissioned by Mrs Robinson.

Council officers are recommending that members of the planning committee backs the proposals subject to conditions being agreed.