The Big Scotsman
Height
5 metres
Year Built
1963
Address
Main North Road & Nottage Terrace, Medindie, SA 5081
The Lowdown
Standing 5 metres tall at Scotty's Motel on Main North Road in Medindie, the Big Scotsman may be Australia's first Big Thing still standing. Built in 1963 by Paul Kelly - who would later create the famous Larry the Lobster in Kingston - this kilted Highland warrior predates the Big Banana by a year. The Scotsman was erected to promote Scotty's Motel and has been greeting travellers on Adelaide's northern corridor for over 60 years. Constructed with a fibreglass outer shell over a steel frame filled with polystyrene foam, the sculpture requires frequent repainting at considerable expense. In 2021, owner Yanka Shopov discussed the possibility of relocating or gifting the sculpture to the state due to potential redevelopment under changed zoning laws, making the Big Scotsman's future uncertain.
Did you know?
"Built in 1963, one year before the Big Banana"
History
The Big Scotsman was built in 1963 by sculptor Paul Kelly to promote Scotty's Motel. Kelly would later become famous for creating Larry the Lobster in Kingston in 1979. The Scotsman predates the Big Banana (1964) by a year, making it a strong contender for Australia's first Big Thing still standing. The sculpture has stood at the intersection of Main North Road and Nottage Terrace for over six decades, becoming a beloved Adelaide landmark. It requires expensive repainting every few years to maintain its appearance, and as of 2021, its future was uncertain due to potential redevelopment of the motel site.
More Fun Facts
- •Built in 1963, one year before the Big Banana
- •Created by Paul Kelly, who later made Larry the Lobster
- •May be Australia's first Big Thing still standing
- •Requires repainting costing thousands of dollars
- •Has stood at Scotty's Motel for over 60 years
- •Made of fibreglass over steel frame with polystyrene filling
Visiting Tips
- 💡Located at Scotty's Motel on the northern approach to Adelaide
- 💡Easy to spot from Main North Road
- 💡Combine with a visit to Larry the Lobster in Kingston (also by Paul Kelly)
- 💡The Adelaide Oval and city centre are nearby
- 💡Check if the motel is still operating before planning an extended visit
Opening Hours
Visible from the street at any time.
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