07.10.2015
Artwork which has been gifted to the Parliament by the Army in Scotland that highlights the relationship between the Army and Scottish society through the years is to be unveiled.
It depicts scenes from the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year and includes images from the Second World War and more recent tours in Afghanistan.
The painting will be unveiled by the Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP and Lt Gen James Bashall CBE, Commander Personnel and Support Command.
Funded entirely through donations from the Army family in Scotland, the unveiling of the painting also marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Loos. The Battle saw battalions from every Scottish regiment involved, with almost every town and village in Scotland affected by the losses suffered.
The Presiding Officer said:
“I am honoured to unveil this gift to the people of Scotland. This thought provoking and evocative work illustrates perfectly the many and varied roles the Army has played in Scottish life throughout the years. It also acts as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice that many of our soldiers and their families have made.
“The painting will go on show across Scotland in the coming months and I hope as many people as possible will have the chance to appreciate it before it goes on public display at Holyrood next year.”
Following its display at the Scottish Parliament, the painting, which can be seen by members of the public on the Scottish Parliament’s tours, will go on display throughout Scotland before returning to the Parliament late next year where it will go on public display.
Lt Gen James Bashall CBE, Commander Personnel and Support Command said:
"This painting recognises the place of the Army in society and the worth of past, current and future generations of serving soldiers, veterans and their families. Presented in conjunction with the Centenary of the First World War Battle of Loos (27 September -18th October 1915) in which some 35,000 Scottish soldiers took part, the painting both commemorates past service and gives expression to the strong institutional relationship which has been established between the Army in Scotland and its Parliament; a relationship which continues to deliver real benefit to veterans and their families."
Background
Funding for the painting was raised entirely by voluntary subscription from across the Army in Scotland, as well as the wider Army family.
The painting will be on display at the Scottish Parliament until the end of January 2016 after which it will travel throughout Scotland.