Huge crowds welcome McLaren memorial
The unveiling of memorial bust to 'The Voice of Rugby' Bill McLaren in Wilton Lodge Park. Pictured is Bill's wife Bette and daughter Linda. (Photo by Rob Gray / digitalpic / Freelance / � 2013)
HUNDREDS gathered in the morning sunshine at Wilton Lodge Park to see the official unveiling of the Bill McLaren Memorial.
The bust of the legendary Voice of Rugby, who passed away three years ago, is situated in the heart of the park next to the town’s other sporting heroes Jimmy Guthrie and Steve Hislop.
With a saltire flag draped over the memorial, the honour fell to his wife Bette to reveal the stunning work, which was created by renowned sculptures Beltane Studios of Peebles.
And it prompted scenes of huge emotion from members of the McLaren family, who were viewing the bust for the first time.
Bill’s daughter, Linda Lawson, said: “This particular area was of great importance to dad and you can almost see the family home from here.
“This is a wonderful asset and hopefully this will be a further reason for people to come and visit the park because it’s kept so beautifully and we should be so very grateful that we have it here.”
The Hawick Community Council project, which was the brainchild of former chairman John Hope, was taken on by current vice-chairman Rob Brydon.
The £11,500 memorial was funded through public subscriptions, events and donations.
FULL REPORT AND MORE PHOTOGRAPHS IN FRIDAY’S PAPER
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Weather for Hawick
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North
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Light showers
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