Plinths of Scotland: Search for unsung heroes who deserve a statue

Scots have been asked to nominate people who deserve to be honoured with a statue as part of a project sheddling light on “untold stories”.

The Talking Statues project, which is led by the Scottish Storytelling Forum and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, will celebrate unsung heroes, with a focus on marginalised and under-represented voices.

The initiative will also examine existing statues and both the “uncomfortable truths and lesser-known achievements” of those already honoured.

People are being asked to research and imagine who should be on a plinth. Their stories will then be shared as part of a special event on October 27 as part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.

Miriam Morris, storytelling development officer at Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland, said: “Many of us pass by statues every day without even thinking about them, why they are there and who they represent.

“As we re-examine our past and look to a better future, this project was created to help share stories that deserve to be heard.

They might be hidden histories behind monuments we pass every day or celebrations of those worthy to be put on a pedestal.”