A moving art installation which inspired more than 113,000 people to visit Perth to remember the country’s war dead has come to a close.
The end of the three month tenure of the Weeping Window poppy sculpture at The Black Watch Castle and Museum was marked on Sunday with a poignant closing ceremony.
The pipes and drums of 7 Scots played before psalms and prayers were read, crosses laid and a two minute silence observed.
A lone piper played while the standards were dipped and raised during the ceremony.
The choice of The Black Watch Castle and Museum as the only Scottish mainland venue to host the sculpture which is marks the centenary of the First World War was apt – the regiment lost almost 9,000 men in the conflict with another 20,000 injured.
The Weeping Window sculpture flowed from the castle’s second floor turret window onto the ground below and Sir Alistair Irwin, chairman of the castle and museum, said it had been a “great privilege” for Perth to host the sculpture.
“They have provided a poignant focus for our continuing programme to commemorate the centenary year of the First World War,” he said.
“They have been admired by over 113,000 visitors, for each of whom there will be a lasting memory.”
Provost Liz Grant,said she was “proud” that the city had supported bringing the poppies to Perth.
“I have had the pleasure of visiting the sculpture on various occasions through my civic duties, and have brought a number of special visitors with me, including representatives of our twin cities as part of twinning celebrations earlier this year,” she said.
“It was a pleasure to see this exhibition hosted in a spirit of partnership, and a positive tribute to the sacrifices the poppies represent.”
Nigel Hinds, executive producer, 14-18 NOW, which was behind the sculpture, said: “Once again the poppies have shown their incredible ability to bring generations together to share stories of the First World War.”
Weeping Window by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper will now travel to Caernarfon Castle in Wales where it will go on view to the public until November 20.
