Tree sculpture will honour war objectors

A tree symbolising peace has been unveiled as the winning design for a new Opposing War memorial to be installed in Edinburgh.

The memorial will pay tribute to First World War conscientious objectors who paved the way for the wider peace movement which exists today.

Organisers hope the sculpture will be installed in Princes Street Gardens by April next year, the centenary of the end of the war for jailed conscientiousobjectors,whowerekept in prison until April 1919.

About 30 artists from around the world expressed an interest when the competition for the memorial was launched. The winning design by Edinburgh artist Kate Ive is based on Davidia involucrata, 0 It is hoped that the sculpture will be in place by April 1919 known as the “handkerchief tree” because of its large white flower bracts.

Thesculpturewillbecovered in bronze embroidered handkerchiefs, showing aspects of conscientious objection and opposition to war. They will also have seed pods made of granite from Dyce quarry in Aberdeenshire.