A 30-tonne granite sculpture carved in memory of the Airedale terriers who died in the first world war has been unveiled in East Haven, outside Carnoustie.
Fans of the breed, which were used to carry wounded men and messages during the conflict, gathered in the Angus village the day after the piece had been lifted into place.
Charity Airedale Terrier Club of Scotland Breed Rescue raised £50,000 to fund the sculpture, carved by local artist Bruce Walker, which is hoped will attract fans of the large breed of terrier from all over the world.
Airedale owner Lori Loftus, a prison officer from Carnoustie, brought her dog Stanley to the ceremony.
She said she was “sad and very proud” to see the artwork in place.
“I don’t think there’s another Airedale in the town, so we were quite chuffed to find out there was going to be a monument. I’ve loved the breed since I was a teenager. They’re intelligent and very brave.”
Wendy Turner, secretary of Airedale Terrier Club of Scotland, said the first dogs sent to war had been trained on the beach metres in front of the statue.
“I am proud that Airedale people in Scotland and worldwide have contributed to a memorial to all those dogs that served in World War One.”
