Conscientious objection and opposition to War is a significant part of Scotland’s history. 80,000 people marched to oppose the First World War in Glasgow in 1914. There were nearly 20,000 COs in Britain – 1434 in Scotland – yet they are scarcely recognised in public spaces. There are memorials to COs in London and other places but not yet in Edinburgh.
The Peace and Justice Centre brought together various civil society groups, faith groups and educators to work towards the goal of making sure the voices of those who refused to fight are heard in Scotland’s capital city, and the CO Memorial in Princes St Gardens will ensure that this history is recognised in a site that is visited by millions of people.
To donate to the Memorial and view the video visit https://chuffed.org./project/opposing-war-memorial
Artists were invited to submit commissions a design by local artist, Kate Ive, was chosen. Her design is for a bronze peace tree sculpture and bench that will create a space for reflection on alternatives to war in the midst of eight war memorials (the video in the donation link details this). Earlier this month the Transport and Environment Committee of City Council unanimously approved the design proposal, so the fund raising is underway to complete the project.
Over £19,000 has been raised to complete the first phase of the project. A further £149,000 is needed for technical drawings, fabrication and installation of the sculpture. This will come from individual donations and from grants.
If you would like to support, please visit the crowd funder site, view the video and make a donation to support this enduring monument to those who said no to war: https://chuffed.org./project/opposing-war-memorial. Every donation counts, large or small.
To continue our peacemaking work, APF relies on regular donations from members and supporters.