Remembering the fallen on Scotland’s beaches

Tributes to the fallen in war were made all over Scotland yesterday, with six special commemorations on the nation’s beaches.

Film director Danny Boyle’s special Armistice commission, Pages of the Sea, for 14-18 NOW and National Theatre of Scotland, took place at St Ninian’s Isle beach in Shetland, West Sands in St Andrews, Scapa beach in Orkney, Ayr Beach, Roseisle beach on the Moray Firth and Culla Bay beach on the isle of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides.

The event centres around a large-scale sand portrait of a fallen hero with public encouraged to take part by creating their own sand art using stencils provided, to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War. The portrait was later washed away as the tide came in.

Members of the public gather on St Ninian’s Isle Beach, Shetland for filmmaker Danny Boyle’s Pages of the Sea (Photo: Dave Donaldson)

A new poem by Scots writer Carol Ann Duffy, The Wound in Time, was read by individuals at each event.

Speaking beforehand, Jackie Wylie, artistic director and chief executive of National Theatre of Scotland, said: ‘The First World War had a devastating impact on Scotland, with tens of thousands of young lives lost and many more forever altered.

‘Our nation has an enduring and emotive connection to the sea and our beautiful coastline has seen many come and go throughout history.

Danny Boyle’s Pages of the Sea on Roseisle Beach, Moray (Photo: Paul Campbell)

‘Pages of the Sea will create an artistic tribute, both personal and communal, through art, words, pictures and stories, acknowledging all those who left our shores during WW1.

‘As a theatre without walls, the National Theatre of Scotland welcomes this poignant opportunity to help bring communities together in this fitting act of remembrance. We would like to thank our partners for their invaluable support of this special project.’

Pages of The Sea Culla Bay Beach in Benbecula (Photo: Cara Forbes)

Danny Boyle said: ‘Beaches are truly public spaces, where nobody rules other than the tide. They seem the perfect place to gather and say a final goodbye and thank you to those whose lives were taken or forever changed by the First World War.’

Jenny Waldman, director of 14-18 NOW, said: ‘Danny Boyle has created a beautiful, poetic artwork. It is a fitting farewell to all of those who served and were affected by the First World War. I would like to thank Danny Boyle, Carol Ann Duffy and all our partners and funders for their help in realising this ambitious project.’

Scapa Beach, in Orkney, took part in Pages of the Sea (Photo: James Grieve)

Geraldine Agar-Inglis (wearing yellow scarf ), takes part in Pages of the Sea (Photo: Drew Farrell)