The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Activists to take aim at duke statue
Bid to topple ‘Mannie’
A Highland councillor yesterday hit out at the latest planned attempt to level the statue of the first Duke of Sutherland, which overlooks Golspie.
Young Inverness activist Katie Laird is mobilising support for a rally on Friday at the peak of Ben Braggie, where the controversial memorial stands.
The statue, known locally as the Mannie, has survived attacks over the years because of the duke’s role in the Highland Clearances.
Ms Laird is running a Facebook campaign to muster support for the rally when she hopes to topple the imposing 100ft effigy.
She states: “The Mannie needs to go. Rebel now or regret missing the opportunity forever.
“It is an extravagant tribute to a man who valued profit more than the life of his tenants, and it is time for it to be demolished.”
Deirdre Mackay, councillor for east Sutherland and Edderton, defended the right for people to stage a rally, provided social distancing is observed.
She said: “People, of course, have the right to meet, debate and have a rally. That is democracy.
“It’s very healthy to look at what happened in our history but to ensure it is set in the context of the times.
“Personally, I think the statue is of immense value and should be left and the balanced story told – that is one of injustice and wrongs done to people and the need for us to do whatever possible to ensure such injustices can never happen again.”
Saying she would not condone demolishing or damaging the statue, Mrs Mackay said it would take a formidable effort to level it.
“Periodically, there have been forays by activists who have taken chisels to chip away little bits of it but the plinth is very substantial and would take some effort to topple.”
The statue was erected in 1837, four years after the duke’s death.
It has been targeted by Scottish independence activists over the years, with a number of unsuccessful bids made to demolish it.
In 2014, a Yes banner was hung on it while the plinth has had graffiti sprayed on it, including the word “monster”.
Inspector James Rice said the area’s police were aware of the planned rally. He added: “We are making efforts to engage with the organisers and any event would be policed appropriately.
“However, we would ask anyone who wants to protest to find another way of doing so that keeps everyone safe.”