Unveiled on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond on December 29, it is on target to be one of the most photographed statues in Scotland in 2015.

Buoyed by the initial success of the statue, the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and the Tom Weir Memorial Group have plans to raise a further £25,000.

A proposed second phase of upgrading works has been planned at the picnic area which would involve improving paths, installing story boards and seats, as well as producing educational materials to introduce youngsters to the National Park – building on Tom Weir’s pioneering work in this field. This would take the total investment to £100,000.

James Fraser, chairman of the Friends of Lomond and The Trossachs, who coordinated the project on behalf of the Tom Weir Memorial Group, told the Reporter: “The level of interest in the statue a few weeks ago has been staggering, with a steady flow of visitors to the site in all weathers.

“The publicity surrounding the centenary to mark Tom’s birth and his great contribution to Scotland’s great outdoors seems to have sparked a fashion revival, with many visitors turning up wearing Tom’s signature red and white toorie hats to be photographed beside the statue.” Sandy Fraser, owner of the nearby Oak Tree Inn and main contractor for the Tom Weir statue installation, said: “We knew there would be great interest in the statue but hadn’t appreciated it would attract so many people to Balmaha at what is normally a quieter time of year for us.

“We have enjoyed our busiest ever start to January which is very encouraging.

“The statue, situated in such a stunning setting against the backdrop of Balmaha Bay, and the associated picnic area, will be great assets for the village as we strive to provide more authentic things of interest to encourage visitors to stay longer and enjoy what is a very special part of Loch Lomond.” The celebration on the December 29 marked what would have been Tom’s 100th birthday, and his contribution to popularising the great outdoors through his adventures as a climber, naturalist, writer and broadcaster was a great success. Around 500 people showed up to hear tributes from well-known outdoor writers and broadcasters Cameron McNeish and Jimmie MacGregor and popular Scottish minstrel Alistair McDonald who played some of Tom’s favourite music.