Was surfing the Caithness website today and found this interesting story.

Today First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond MSP unveiled the "Emigrants" statue at Helmsdale. Alex Salmond said, "Today's unveiling of this remarkable new presence in the Highland environment marks an important moment for Scotland. The impulse to create this statue came from a desire to remember, but also to reconcile; to refelct on the past, but to draw on it for the future's strength. The statue was created by sculptor Gerald Laing for the Clearances Centre that was et up to find a way to commemorate all the people of the Highlands who were forced to leave Sotland. The flags at the statue represent the countries where the emigrants mainly went - Canada, United States, Australia and New Zealand but there were many who went to other parts of the globe and a united nations flag is also flown. A large group of people from many places as well as locally gathered for the ceremony. Professor Eric Richards from Flinders University, Adelaide spoke of the international contribution Scots had made to the world. Eilidh Mackenzie from the Western Isles sang a haunting gaelic song. another song was contributed by Rod Paterson from Dundee representing Lowland Scots many of whom were also forced to leave their homeland in times of adversity. Denis MacLeod, Helmsdale formally handed over certificate of ownership to the Helmsdale Community accepted on their behalf by Edward Mackay. Sutherland Schools Pipe Band then led a procession to the community centre for more music by Feis Chataibh. Speakers at the centre included First Minister Alex Salmond and Dr Jim Hunter who has written several books on the clearances and Scots abroad. Guests then offered a superb buffet prepared in Helmsdale. A very notable day. We hope to have some video footage of the First minister available later this evening.



More photos!

Enjoy,

Daniel