‘Breadalbane Giant’ to be unveiled by the end of the month by Chris Daponte

FERGUS - Visitors to next month’s Scottish Festival and Highland Games will see a new landmark near the Breadalbane Inn on St. Andrew Street West.
An old tree at the front of the inn is being turned into a carving of a giant warrior. The tree, a Norwegian Maple, was about 200 years old when it had to be cut down because of blight a few years ago. Owner Peter Egger had it cut higher than normal, for a carving.
He also wanted to raise cash for Groves Hospital. Sculptor Nick Kosonic and his son, Sean, are donating their time so contributions can be collected.
Any donations of $200 or more will entitle donors to have their name inscribed on a special mention plaque.
Although the carving should be done in time for the festival, which runs Aug. 11 to 13, donors can visit the inn within the next few years and donate. To raise even more money for the hospital, The Breadalbane Inn is holding a 50-50 draw to name the carving, which is currently referred to simply as the “Breadalbane Giant.”
The work marks the first time Nick Kosonic has been in charge of this type of project, although he’s been involved with art his entire life.
Sean is a student at the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto.
They are happy to be donating their time for Groves. And they jumped at the opportunity to be part of the unique idea.
“I’m having a great time and it’s shaping out about how we expected it to,” Nick said of the work. “It’s a perfect location and I can’t think of a better concept.”
Nick said the wood is workable, but moist. He has found a few surprises inside the tree, including a piece of large cable about six inches long he suspects was used to anchor a hydro post 30 or 40 years ago.