The artist behind the iconic Kelpies plans to create a giant steel bear sculpture to welcome visitors to Dunbar, STV has reported.

Andy Scott aims to build the 16ft artwork off the A1 next to the East Lothian town.

The bear symbolises the naturalist John Muir, a famous son of Dunbar who was responsible for preserving many of America’s national parks.

A planning document has been submitted to East Lothian Council, which local authority planners say they will consider in due course.

The document says the bear was chosen “to sculpt an animal symbolic of (John Muir’s) travels through the far-off wildernesses of America’s west, in the Rockies and Alaska.”

The conservationist had a “profound” impact in awakening interest in the natural world, the document states.

It continues: “The bear will stand as a welcoming icon to the town of Dunbar and act as a prominent landmark as well as a subtle reminder of John Muir. (There already is a traditional bronze memorial statue of him in the town centre.)”

The creation of public artwork was a requirement of a nearby housing development.

Mr Scott’s proposal, which was submitted via EMA Architects, would lead to the bear being constructed in a similar style to the 100ft Kelpies in Falkirk.

The canalside attraction has been visited by around 2.5 million visitors since it was installed three years ago.

Mr Scott, a graduate of Glasgow School of Art, works in steel and bronze and is responsible for more than 70 projects around the world.

Visitors will be able to access the base of the proposed bear sculpture and it has been designed with road safety in mind.

An East Lothian Council spokeswoman said: “This application has been submitted as part of a public art proposal for the outskirts of Dunbar.

“The council’s planners will review the application and provide a recommendation in due course.”