A new skyline artwork has been unveiled in the Highlands as a tribute to the country’s fallen military heroes.
The slate-work poppy emblem adorns the top of an army community centre in Inverness.
A poignant service was held earlier this week to mark the occasion. The message was simple and timely – pride in the UK’s armed forces and in time for Remembrance Day.
The artwork is a personal tribute from Highland roofers Gary McIntyre and Conor Farmer, who both served as soldiers.
Mr McIntyre said: “To be able to recreate a symbol as poignant as this and put it in somewhere like the Army community centre in the heart of Inverness fills me with so much pride.
“I’m delighted with the way it’s turned out. We’ve had so much support from the public and from local businesses who have contributed over £35,000 worth of materials for this job.”
The creation is somewhat removed from Mr McIntyre’s past artworks, which include a homage to the reclusive artist Banksy featuring his own interpretation of “Girl with a Balloon” in slate.
The poppy has had a salute of approval from Major Paddy Marshall of The Third Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
He said: “It’s unbelievable. All the elements of it have been donated, so essentially you’re talking £30,000-plus worth of donations, excluding the time of Gary and Conor to actually implement the work, it makes me feel proud to be a part of it.”
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