WATCH: Poppy artwork by Dingwall roofer unveiled in Inverness with special remembrance ceremony
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A NEW rooftop landmark by a Dingwall artist was unveiled today in Inverness with a special remembrance service.
Members of the 3rd Batallion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and local residents of all ages gathered in front of the building for the official unveiling of a special tribute to the military community.
The poppy – which also includes a standing soldier in its centre – was created by Gary McIntyre and Conor Farmer of Artisan Roofing.
The two "donated" the design as well as labour time for the cause and were helped by an array of local businesses who provided more than £30,000 worth of materials and other support.
Mr McIntyre – known for his signature style which he applied to a Banksy-inspired artwork – said he was delighted with the community response.
"The support from local businesses has been nothing short of spectacular. As it stands the contribution from those who have donated the materials stands at £35,000, which is awe-inspiring."
SSQ and Macleod Roofing donated respectively £17,000 and £10,000 worth of materials, with Balfour property helping with renovations (£6,000) and AK Scaffolding providing safe access and scaffolding worth £5,500. Jewson Aberdeen also supported the works delivering the slates.
"The turnout has been great and the event that Maj Marshall has put on for this was really good, we couldn't have asked for anything better.
Mr Farmer – himself a former member of the Black Watch – said they were incredibly grateful to members of the community who joined the event. the community today, hopefully we managed to raise money for Poppy Scotland as well as this was the original intention. The aim is to raise awareness and to be there as a permanent reminder.
Major Paddy Marshall, who organised the event said: "The community centre is a central part of the married quarters here in Inverness.
"It just shows that all these local businesses including Conor and Gary care about the military community and they wanted to give a lasting a reminder to anyone who drives past to show their appreciation of the military and those before us.
"It brightens up the estate but more importantly, it is a constant reminder there to just pause, reflect and remember, and this means a lot to the community."
