[youtube=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=iPR96CwExUk]
THE seabird centre in North Berwick was the unusual location for a rare performance from TV legend Ronnie Corbett OBE.
The diminutive funnyman – who has long connections with the East Lothian area – arrived with his wife Anne to reveal the famous sculpture of an Arctic tern and bronze penguins at the Scottish Seabird Centre.
Before unveiling the two statues to the waiting crowds, the 77-year-old relaxed in the sunshine at the seaside resort and cracked a few jokes.
And the Edinburgh-born star – who has worked in television since the 1950s – revealed his link with the popular seabird centre.
He said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people here today and it just goes to show how important maintaining the vibrant seabird centre is to the community here.
“My wife and I have a house in Gullane and we are big fans of the centre. I’m not an expert on sealife or birds but I would love to come here more and use all the facilities so I could learn more. It’s a wonderful place.”
Tom Brock OBE, chief executive of the centre, was delighted to welcome the comedy star.
He said: “Ronnie Corbett and his wife Anne have been long term supporters of the Seabird Centre, since before it even opened in 2000.
“We are also delighted to welcome people from East Lothian and visitors to the area to join us on the day and celebrate the tern’s return.”
Originally on temporary loan to the Seabird Centre, the sculpture of the tern makes a very welcome return to North Berwick.
The work by the well known wildlife sculptor Geoffrey Dashwood has been much admired and photographed.
And the bronze penguins – by the late George Graham – were also given a permanent home outside the Centre.
