THE Scottish Seabird Centre is on the lookout for a name for a new piece of art taking pride of place outside the tourist attraction. . . and Courier readers can provide it!

Following a competition for artists and a public vote, two new works of art were chosen for outside the seabird centre, with the first of those unveiled recently – the new arch of steel, complete with flying gannets.

The arch was designed by artist Diane Maclean and constructed by The Blake Group in Leith.

The form of the new arch reflects the recreated whalebone arch on top of North Berwick Law, as well as the arched doorway forming the entrance to the historic old kirk adjacent to the seabird centre. The Law can be viewed from the harbour area, framed by Diane’s arch.

Tom Brock, chief executive of the centre, said: “The area around the seabird centre is a very special place, rich in history and wildlife. The arch has become a new iconic landmark and it is wonderful to see lots of visitors as well as locals taking pictures of it.

“We are now looking for a suitable name for this wonderful new sculpture, which creates such a very impressive and appropriate welcome to the centre. We would like the name to be just as striking and as memorable!” Submissions should be made by emailing info@seabird.org, in person at the centre or by post: Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS by next Monday (April 7).

The winning submission will be announced at a naming ceremony, held at the centre later in the year.

The winning entry will receive a VIP day out at the Scottish Seabird Centre, with entry to the Discovery Centre, plus a trip on the Seafari Explorer, the centre’s custom-built, 55-seat catamaran.

Meanwhile, an exclusive talk on the findings of an excavation, including a murder which dates back to the 12th or 13th centuries, was set to take place at the seabird centre.

Archaeologist Tom Addyman was to present the discoveries from the archaeological dig, which took place on the site of the centre between 1999 and 2006, yesterday (Thursday), 7.30-8.30pm.

Organised by the centre and undertaken by Addyman Archaeology and latterly supported by Historic Scotland, the dig revealed structural remains, various graves plus the skeleton of a young man dating from the 12th or 13th centuries who was fatally stabbed.

These, plus individual findings including stone tools, lead objects, ceramic material and bones of butchered seals, fish and seabirds, have made this an excavation of international importance.

As Tom launches his new book, The Medieval Kirk, Cemetery and Hospice at Kirk Ness, North Berwick: the Scottish Seabird Centre Excavations 1999-2006 (published by Oxbow Books), the talk was to reveal all about these important findings.

There was also to be a Q&A session, plus an opportunity to purchase copies of the book.

Tickets (£5/£4 or £3.50/£2.50 for seabird members) could be booked at the admissions desk or on 01620 890202.