Dragon carving at Cluny Hill Forres funded by Forres Features is named Smokey by competition winner Hugo Wood

THE Dragon of Cluny Hill has been named Smokey in honour of the young namer’s heritage.

Community interest company, Forres Features, invested in the 30ft carving then organised a competition to give it a name – now, after much deliberation over 20 entries, judges Graham Murdoch and Sandra MacIver have chosen Hugo Wood’s suggestion.

Sandra said: “We received about 20 entries from people from the area, Inverness and as far away as Dumfries and Galloway! Hugo told us he was aware that the carver, Pawel Drozd of Galloway Carving, is Polish. Hugo has a Polish mum and a Scottish Dad. He thought Smokey was a good name for a dragon because ‘smok’ is Polish for dragon.”

Hugo, an eight-year-old Applegrove Primary pupil, was surprised but happy when he found out he’d won £50 for himself and £100 for his school.

He said: “I’m half Polish and dragons breathe smoke and fire, so I thought Smokey would be a great name. I love football, so maybe I will spend my prize on a football strip or put towards a mobile phone, I haven’t decided yet!”

Applegrove head teacher, Mrs Arlene Hunter, explained Hugo first saw the dragon on a pumpkin trail around Grant Park and Cluny Hill.

She said: “We announced Hugo’s success through the school bulletin. We are proud of his achievement. He would like our £100 winnings to go towards goalposts because he loves playing football at break times!”

Forres Features paid for the carving with funds generated by the Colours of Cluny events at Cluny Hill in 2016 and 2017. It was carved from a rotting beech tree that was taken down for safety reasons.

“When the tree was in its original place no one could use it, even as seat,” said Sandra. “It can now be used as a resting point and to stimulate the imagination! We’ve received many positive comments. It will naturally decompose over time so it’s not going to be garnished.”