M A memorial tribute to the child victims of one of Scotland’s worst-ever tragedies has been officially unveiled in Paisley.
The infamous Glen Cinema disaster claimed the lives of 71 children and injured 30 more, on Hogmanay 1929.
And yesterday, a crowd of around 100 people gathered to see the unveiling of a permanent memorial to those who perished.
Artists Rachel Lowther and Kerry Stewart were commissioned to work with the community to create the memorial as part of efforts to mark the 90th anniversary of the tragedy in 2019.
Their statue Rattle/Little Mother - the first permanent memorial to the youngsters who lost their lives - was unveiled in the town’s Dunn Square close to the former cinema site.
The move comes ahead of the 92nd anniversary of the tragedy later this month and members of the community turned out for a ceremony hosted by Renfrewshire’s Deputy Provost Cathy McEwan, who was joined by the artists themselves and community leaders.
Addressing the crowd, Depute Provost Cathy McEwan said: “The event is known as Paisley’s Black Hogmanay and local people still feel the pain of the tragedy very deeply.
“The impact on our community was monumental but Paisley people have real strength and pull together in times of need.”
Councillor McEwan added: “For the first time, we have a place dedicated to the children and families of the Glen Cinema, within sight of the place itself.”
A piper played a lament for the lost at the event - attended by two of the remaining survivors of the disaster, Robert Pope and Emily Brown and their families.
The tragedy happened after a smoking film canister sparked panic during a packed children’s matinee with more than 600 youngsters in attendance.
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The metal gates on the main exit doors had been pulled shut, stopping it from opening, leading to a fatal crush.
Artists Rachel Lowther and Kerry Stewart both spoke and thanked all involved in the process.
Said Rachel: “The Glen Cinema pierced the heart of Paisley and we are very aware of that pain.
“We hope people will come to love the statue but what matters most to us is we did right by Emily and Robert and the families of the Glen Cinema children.”
And Tony Lawler – one of the working group who helped create the memorial – added: “It is important Paisley town centre had a dedicated memorial to be a focus for the annual commemoration service.
“We will never forget the children of the Glen Cinema... this is a fitting and beautiful memorial and this is their space now.”
The artists worked alongside community groups including the STAR Project, Paisley Community Trust, and pupils from Paisley Grammar School, on the project.
Funding came from the Rotary Club of Paisley and by Future Paisley – the council-led programme of events and activity aimed at using the town’s unique culture and heritage to transform its future.
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