Analysis of original stone and identification of matching stone for repairs : Robert Burns Statue, Camperdown, Victoria, Australia

The Burns statue in Camperdown Australia is one of the oldest surviving representations of Robert Burns. It was taken from Scotland to Australia in 1882 where it has been on display in a public park for over 125 years. The statue was repaired a number of years ago, and recent vandalism has meant the statue now requires further stone repairs. Samples of both the original and a possible replacement stone (Sydney yellow block sandstone) were sent for analysis. The original stone in the statue is a sandstone typical of west-central Scotland and it is recommended that a stone of this type is used for the repairs. The Sydney yellow block sandstone has different mineral and textural characteristics and is less suitable as a replacement stone. Today there are no building stone quarries in west-central Scotland and almost all sandstone for repairs and new construction is imported from northern England. The stone in the statue is very similar to sandstone from Drumhead quarry near Falkirk, and this site is currently being investigated by the Scottish Stone Liaison Group for reopening. It is recommended that stone from Drumhead quarry is used for the repairs to the statue. Alternative similar sandstones from northern England are also suggested.