30.10.2018
A moving tribute to soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War was unveiled at the Scottish Parliament today as part of Holyrood’s programme to mark 100 years since the end of the conflict.
The sculpture, a life size aluminium silhouette of a “Tommy”, the slang name for a British soldier, will go on public display in the Parliament’s Main Hall until 12 November. Designed by artist Martin Barraud, the sculpture is part of a nationwide art installation entitled There But Not There which involves the placement of outlines of soldiers in locations across the UK.
The sculpture has been accepted as a gift to the Scottish Parliament’s Art Collection from the Ancre Somme Association Scotland.
Armed forces personnel and members of the Ancre Somme Association Scotland saw the sculpture unveiled at the Parliament.
The Presiding Officer, the Rt. Hon Ken Macintosh MSP said:
“This sculpture is a powerful and poignant piece of art and am I proud to accept it from the Ancre Somme Association on behalf of the Scottish Parliament. It’s presence here in the heart of Scotland’s democracy will help ensure that future generations of Scots remember the bravery and sacrifice of our armed services personnel both past and present.
“As we mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, this piece and the nationwide installation There But Not There, offer a fitting tribute to those that fell and remind us all of the devastation of war. It is sad to say these messages are as relevant today as they were 100 years ago.”
Alexander Stewart MSP, Honorary Ambassador for the Ancre Somme Association Scotland said:
“As Honorary Ambassador for the Ancre Somme Association Scotland, it is a genuine privilege to have the opportunity of presenting this magnificent ‘Tommy’ Statue to the Scottish Parliament - and I would like to thank wholeheartedly both the Presiding Officer, The Rt. Hon Ken. Macintosh MSP and Chief Executive, Sir Paul Grice for graciously allowing this to happen.
“I would also like to voice my sincere appreciation to the Ancre Somme Association Scotland, including Chairman, John Jenkins and Secretary, Tommy Davidson – who were in-attendance at the event – for their invaluable assistance in initiating and availing this statue to the Scottish Parliament.
“I hope very much that this statue will serve as a poignant reminder to all of the horrors of war and that we all must work towards never again descending into such harrowing conflicts again.”
Prior to going on display at the Scottish Parliament, the Tommy visited locations across the country in order for the message to reach a number of people including a number of sporting grounds including football clubs across the country – Rangers, Celtic, Motherwell, Hearts, Hibernian, Falkirk, Raith Rovers and Dunfermline. It was also displayed at Hampden Park and Murrayfield.
There But Not There started with a single installation in a village church in Penshurst, Kent.
The Ancre Somme Association was officially formed in 2009 after a 2006 trip to the Somme by a group of County Armagh people. A branch was later established in Scotland to honour all Scots who served in the Great War and subsequent conflicts. There are six branches in Northern Ireland and two in Scotland.
Tommy Statues are currently touring the country until Armistice Day and members of the public are being encouraged to purchase their own 10-inch tall versions to remember their own relatives. The sale of these commemorative figures, all of which have been constructed by military veterans, will also be distributed evenly between many forces and mental health charities.