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Adam Brown · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 1:17 pm Post subject: Dornoch War Memorial, Sutherland

Dornoch War Memorial
Location: At West End of village at Junction of A949 and B9168
OS Ref: NH 793 898
Sculptor: Alexander Carrick
Foundry: Singers
Unveiled: 7th June 1922 by the Duke of Sutherland.

A well known Scottish Memorial. A 5th Seaforth Highlander c. 1916 at Beaumont Hamel looks South (more South-West now since he was moved in the 1980s) towards the battlefields. Sculpted by Alexander Carrick.

It is a difficult one to get a good photo of because of the trees behind it. The memorial used to sit in the middle of the road junction.

I believe the inscription is taken from an American Civil War poem.

Adam
_________________
Scottish War Memorials Project
Scottish War Graves Project

jimmcginlay · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 5:44 pm Post subject:

Great photos Adam! I haven't been up in Dornoch for a while and haven't seen the memorial in its new location.

For me one of the most important things that differentiated Alexander Carrick from other contemporary sculptors was that he actually got on trains and travelled from Edinburgh to visit towns like Dornoch, meet the people and the war memorial committees and take a look at the proposed sites for their monument. He clearly drew his inspiration for the Dornoch sculpture from his visit. The site chosen was formerly the site of the 'Torr an Roy' a battle fought between the men of Dornoch and the Clan MacKay. In later centuries it became the site of 'The Receiving House' a coach house were the posts and news from the outside world traditionally first arrived in the town. Carrick took these concepts of battle and the anxious waiting for news and combined them in the image of the Highlander, creating a memorial which was rooted in the history of the Highland community.

For more information on Alexander carrick click here
www.alexandercarrick.webeden.co.uk

Adam Brown · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 6:02 pm Post subject:

Jim

Yes, his trip North certainly paid dividends. It's one of the most striking war memorial sculptures I've seen. I'm sure Dornoch were very happy with this design and I believe Forres wanted a copy.

Was Carrick happy with it?

Adam
_________________
Scottish War Memorials Project
Scottish War Graves Project