A plaque recognising the achievements of sculptor Scott Sutherland has been unveiled outside the original Gray’s School of Art building on Schoolhill in Aberdeen, where he began his training.
Robert Gordon University (RGU) has been collaborating with The Scott Sutherland Commando Memorial Heritage Trail Project, which celebrates both his impact and legacy.
Scott Sutherland is renowned for the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge in the Highlands, which was officially launched by HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 1952. The Commando Memorial is dedicated to the commandos who trained in the area surrounding it, and the bronze statue is also a place of remembrance for Royal Marines.
His training began at Gray’s School of Art in 1928, and in 1929, he went on to study sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art.
Professor Dan Allen, Dean of Gray's School of Art, said: “It is an honour for Gray’s School of Art to join the Scott Sutherland trail and to celebrate his links with the original building.
“Scott Sutherland has made a huge impact, and this is evident in his work, which is available to view in public spaces across Scotland. There is no doubt that the iconic Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge is his most famous sculpture, and it continues to inspire people 73 years after its unveiling.
“The plaque is a fantastic reminder that Scott Sutherland made his early inroads into sculpture in Aberdeen.”
Dave Matthews, The Scott Sutherland Commando Memorial Heritage Trail Project committee member, said: “Aberdeen is the place where the story of the Commando Memorial began. Scott Sutherland’s enduring legacy should not be forgotten, and on behalf of all our supporters, I offer my gratitude to Robert Gordon University for believing in the project's aims. United we Conquer.”
The unveiling ceremony was held on Thursday 7 August, during which the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, formally unveiled the commemorative plaque. Prior to the unveiling, attendees were welcomed with brief remarks delivered by representatives from the University community and the Scott Sutherland Commando Memorial Heritage Trail Project.
The plaque on Schoolhill is the ninth panel and is one of 11 sites across the UK chosen to be part of the trail due to their significant link to Scott Sutherland and the Commando Memorial.
Recognising that his name and accomplishments were at risk of being forgotten, members of the Commando brotherhood and the Royal Marines Association (RMA) came together in August 2021. At a meeting in Dunkeld House Hotel, Perthshire, they unanimously agreed to take action to revive public awareness of Sutherland’s contributions. This initiative led to the formation of a dedicated committee to spearhead efforts in commemorating Sutherland’s life and work.
The Scott Sutherland Commando Memorial Heritage Trail Project has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition, driven by the collective efforts of individuals dedicated to preserving Sutherland’s legacy. Their work ensures that the story of Scott Sutherland and the iconic Commando Memorial will continue to be celebrated and remembered.