The Emigrants

This group of figures in the Sutherland village of Helmsdale , the work of sculptor Gerald Laing , was commissioned and donated by my friend Dennis MacLeod who is himself an emigrant from this part of Scotland. The inscription - which I give below- pays tribute to those who were cleared ( often with great brutality) but who went on through many generations to do amazing things across the world.

Dennis' vision was to have similar statues in places where the Scots eventually settled and I unveiled a slightly reduced size version in Winnipeg in 2008.

I am always struck by the power of the image but particularly by the figure looking backwards to her home - in this case up the Strath where so many forced evictions took place.



( the inscription reads:

" Commemorates the people of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland who, in the face of adversity, sought freedom, hope and justice beyond these shores. They and their descendants went forth and explored continents, built great countries and cities and gave their enterpise and culture to the world. This is their legacy."

"Their voices echo forever through the empty straths and glens of their homeland."

Unveiled by the First Minister of Scotland, Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, 23rd July 2007. )