Iolaire commemorative sculpture

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, is “wholeheartedly backing” plans for a new sculpture to commemorate the centenary of the Iolaire disaster.

A number of possible designs are being considered for the initiative.

Mrs Grant said: “As I was growing up I can remember my grandfather (from the Point district of Lewis), who like a lot of island men fought in both world wars, talking about the tragic events and the devastation felt by many families throughout the island.

“He would never talk about the war itself or look for praise, which is the island way, but he held those involved very much dear to him and would openly speak about the events and the impact of that fateful night.”

Mrs Grant added: “It always catches my breath when the name of the Iolaire is mentioned as it brings such immediate sadness.

“It is so heart-warming to find that people have not forgotten about this and that they are as keen to mark the sacrifice made by those who were returning home on a New Year’s morning after fighting for our freedom.”

Backing for Iolaire commemorative sculpture

19 April 2017