VIDEO: First World War statue in Glasgow as part of Poppy Appeal

A First World War sculpture has been unveiled for the first time in Scotland as part of this year's Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Published 1st Nov 2016

A First World War sculpture has been unveiled for the first time in Scotland as part of this year's Scottish Poppy Appeal.

The Every Man Remembered statue, which stands approximately 23ft high, is based on the Unknown Soldier and stands on a block of limestone from the Somme area of France.

The sculpture - which is encased in a glass box among thousands of poppies that float in the air - has went on display in Glasgow.

Designed by artist Mark Humphrey, the statue was unveiled by Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty in the city's George Square and is part of a four-year campaign to honour the 1,117,077 Commonwealth servicemen and women who lost their lives in the First World War.

Ms Docherty said: "The Every Man Remembered statue is a great way to raise awareness of those who gave their lives in the Great War as we continue to commemorate the conflict's centenary.

"I'm proud Glasgow had the opportunity to lead the United Kingdom's First World War centenary commemorations in August 2014 and that we continue to remember the sacrifices of those who fell to defend our freedoms at events like this."

This is the first time the statue has been unveiled in Scotland following appearances in London's Trafalgar Square and Cardiff in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

It will be on display in George Square throughout the Scottish Poppy Appeal until Sunday November 13.

Mark Bibbey, chief executive at Poppyscotland, said: "The poppy continues to be a symbol of remembrance for those who have fallen but it also serves as a reminder of the living who still need our support.

"In fact, one in eight veterans have a fundamental unmet need for support and more than half suffer from a long-term illness or disability.

"That's why we need the Scottish public to make their donation and wear their poppies with pride, so that we can be there for our ex-servicemen and women when they call for back-up."