Name a Broughty Ferry Dolphin

People are being encouraged to help name the three dolphins featured in Dundee’s latest piece of public art.

The bronze sculpture of the bottlenose dolphins has been situated at the new promenade near Broughty Ferry beach which is part of the major Broughty Ferry to Monifieth Active Travel project.

Collectively called ‘Tay Fins’, the artwork of the aquatic mammals was created by artist Fanny Lam Christie. It captures the social dynamics of a group of three young Scottish east coast bottlenose dolphins that are frequently seen from Broughty Ferry.

Now a competition has begun to get people to come forward with their suggestions for names for the three dolphins.

Commissioned by Sustrans and Transport Scotland, it is the latest piece of public art that Dundee City Council has installed at the new active travel project and follows the unveiling of a statue in tribute to local war heroine Winkie the Pigeon.

Fanny Lam Christie said: “My work explores people’s relationship with nature.

“The three bronze dolphins weighed a total of 218kg and took many months to complete. My inspiration came from the research findings of the Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews.”

“The sculpture is based on three young dolphins known by numbers #1264, #1272 and #1306 in their identification catalogue which is maintained in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen.

“The sculpture features all the natural identification marks on the dorsal fins and body unique to each individual, which allows researchers to keep track of them over time.

“We are keen to improve public awareness and understanding of the Tay dolphins and the protection of this species. One of the ideas of community engagement is to invite the public to name the three dolphins.”

Anyone who would like to take part can use this link or scan a QR code which will be promoted on social media. 

The closing date for suggestions is March 3 2024. Winning names will feature in an information panel to be installed with the sculpture.

Council convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Councillor Steven Rome said: “There is a long and strong tradition of public art in Dundee and I am delighted that Tay Fins is joining the other works in the active travel developments.

“The competition to name the individual dolphins is a great way for people to get involved in such an inspiring project which will promote understanding and appreciation of the nature on our doorstep.”

Details of the dolphins are:

• Dolphin #1264 is 6-year-old first seen in 2017. It has a single notch in its dorsal fin.
• Dolphin #1272 is 5-year-old. There is no notch in its dorsal fin. The fin has a more pointed curve shape.
• Dolphin #1306 is a 3-year-old first seen as a new born calf in 2020 and it has 4 notches in its dorsal fin.

Bottlenose dolphins in the Tay Estuary and surrounding waters are studied and monitored by researchers at the Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews,

You can find more about their work on the Citizen Fins website

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