The most successful Manx pop group in music history is set to be honoured with a life-size statue in the capital.

A sculpture dedicated to the Bee Gees will be unveiled in Douglas as soon as the border restrictions are lifted.

Born in the island, the trio are famed for hits such as ’Stayin’ Alive’ and ’Tragedy’, selling more than 120 million records worldwide.

Douglas Council leader David Christian said that it’s important the brothers are recognised.

’It is going on the Loch Promenade between the two gardens right opposite Regent Street, so it’s going to be a major focal point,’ he said.

’They’re going to look as if they’re walking off the prom, across the new Promenade roadway and into Regent Street.

’I’ve seen the smaller models of it. It’s going to look fantastic on a large base with the wording of "Ellan Vannin" and other song titles all around it - so it’ll be something of real interest for people to come to. ’

The statues themselves are completed, but the artist is reluctant to release them and have them shipped over without him accompanying them and then actually doing the installation.

’So literally as soon as our borders are open, the base is now ready to go in, the statues will be shipped over and they’ll be a new attraction as part of the newly refurbished Loch Promenade,’ Mr Christian said.

’Statues are one of those things, some people love them, some people hate them. Some people say why spend that sort of money.

’But if you look at George Formby, you look at particularly Norman Wisdom - tens of thousands of photographs taken with Norman over the years and sent all around the world. The Bee Gees will be a big draw just like that, we are very confident [it] will be something that will be appreciated for years to come in Douglas.

He added that there had previously been plans for Barry Gibb to fly over to the island and unveil a plaque last July [cancelled due to the pandemic], and that he had been ’very very supportive’.

Mr Christian also said that he wants the statue to be installed in time before the promenade works have finished.