Giant chessboard revealed in Dunbar's Lauderdale Park

Pieces of scrap wood have been transformed to create a larger-than-life chess board in Lauderdale Park.

The initiative, which was revealed last weekend, involved members of Dunbar Harbour Trust, Wishing Tree by the Sea, Dunbar Shed and the town’s community council.

Now it is hoped that the chess board, which measures about eight foot by eight foot, will spark a renewed interest in the popular game in the town.

A giant chessboard has been unveiled in Dunbar's Lauderdale Park (Image: Gordon Bell)

Paul Ingram, director of Dunbar Harbour Trust, revealed that the initial plan had been for a chessboard to be created on The Battery at the town’s harbour.

However, it was later decided to take the pieces to the park, off the town’s Bayswell Road, where there was previously a chessboard.

He said: “The king is about two foot tall, just over two foot.

“The pawns are probably just under a foot.

“They are made of wood - it was all scrap wood that has been turned into these pieces.

“The next bit to go in there will be a set of draughts.

“So, if you don’t feel like going for chess, you can always have a quick game of draughts.

“I was hoping this would kick-start more interest in chess in Dunbar.

“The original chess club was disbanded and it would be nice to reform that.”

A giant chessboard has been unveiled in Dunbar's Lauderdale Park (Image: Gordon Bell)

The chessboard will be managed by Wishing Tree by the Sea, which is operated by Bev Anderson, of the town’s community council.

A nominal fee will be paid to hire out the pieces, with money raised split between the management of the chessboard and pieces, as well as local initiatives.

Hannah Renton, treasurer of the town’s community council, said: “We are always happy to support things that benefit Dunbar.

“Dunbar Shed is a great project.”

Dunbar Shed were among those involved in creating the new chess board in Dunbar's Lauderdale Park (Image: Gordon Bell)

Further plans are also in place for a second large chessboard to be created at Dunbar Grammar School.

Dunbar Shed are again at the heart of that project and are working on creating the 32 chess pieces.

Bob Fleet, chairman of the group, was hopeful a relationship could be struck between Dunbar Shed and pupils at the secondary school to create the pieces.

Speaking about the set in Lauderdale Park, he said: “It has turned out really well.

“People were really impressed when they saw them.”