Memorial at ’Craig will honour steelworkers
A CAMPAIGN is to be launched to create a memorial at the site of the former Ravenscraig plant for those who lost their lives working in the Scottish steel industry.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the closure of the ‘Craig and the Scottish Steelworkers Memorial Fund is to launch a fundraising campaign to meet the estimated £150,000 cost of the project.
The group has written to a number of MSPs, MPs and other potential backers seeking their support and influence and will approach various Government bodies and agencies to help identify possible sources of grant funding.
Although steel manufacture and processing took place in various parts of Scotland, much of the industry was based on Lanarkshire and a site of the former plant, near the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Centre, has been identified as being suitable.
Those behind the project are in complete agreement with the council and the development company in that the structure should be inspirational and of a scale to be a worthy memorial and at the same time complimentary to the innovative developments which will take place on the site.
Preliminary discussions have been already been held with top sculptor Andy Scott, whose previous notable works include the Clydesdale Horse located in Baillieston, next to the M8.
The preferred option for the sculpture is a galvanised, welded steel structure of a steelworker holding aloft a flowing ribbon of molten steel. It is proposed that the structure would be between five and six metres high and based within a paved garden.
Should funding be secured it is hoped to complete the project next year to coincide with the Celebrating Lanarkshire 2013 initiative to highlight achievement in Lanarkshire over the last 200 years.
Central Scotland list MSP Richard Lyle is among those who have been contacted and said he was fully backing the campaign to have the memorial erected.
He said: “This is an excellent idea and would be a fitting tribute to the hard work done by thousands of steelworkers over many years.
“I will certainly be supporting the campaign by making a donation and would encourage others to do so.”
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Weather for Motherwell, Scotland
Sunday 19 May 2013
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