Dozens of parents who have suffered the loss of their babies came together as a sculpture dedicated to their children’s memory was unveiled during a poignant ceremony.
The “tree of tranquillity” has been planted in Oban, and will offer parents whose infants have died a place for quiet reflection.
The hand-crafted, life-sized copper sculpture is adorned with special “leaves” bearing the names of 23 children who died as babies, and 60 bereaved parents gathered to mark its installation in the grounds of Dunollie Museum and Castle and Gardens at the weekend.
As a way of helping parents come to terms with their loss, they will be gifted a leaf from the Simpson Memorial Boxes Association (Simba) charity, which they can inscribe with a personal dedication before it is placed on the tree.
The tree is based on a unique design that has been developed with the charity.
Sara Fitzsimmons, from Simba, said: “This is not just for the newly bereaved but also for families who sadly lost their baby many years ago, and were perhaps provided with little or no recognition of their baby’s existence.
“The 23 leaves that we have already show just how important this beautiful memorial is for the community.
“When a baby dies there is a huge feeling of isolation. Our handcrafted trees show families that they are not alone.”
