Permanent memorial to musician

Sir Jimmy pictured with the Queen

A statue in memory of the Scottish music legend Sir Jimmy Shand has been unveiled in his home town of Auchtermuchty.

The structure has been paid for by donations from fans around the world.

The famous Fife accordionist, who died in December 2000 at the age of 92, sold millions of records in a career that spanned 70 years.

The unveiling ceremony was performed by Lord Elgin, a friend of the musician and patron of the Sir Jimmy Shand Sculpture Project.

A fund raising campaign was launched several months after Sir Jimmy died in December 2000.

Familiar pose

The project organisers received donations from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, dance and fiddle bands and clubs and from various individuals.

The life-size statue depicts the musician in familiar pose with his accordion and was created by sculptor David Annand.

"One thing I must do is thank everyone who contributed to this because the funds were raised in no time at all and we had an incredible response, a global response," said Mr Annand.

"It shows us the man's charisma, the man's popularity, so you try to capture some of that by the fact that he's just standing there, music's coming out, yet he's got this very powerful presence."

The statue was unveiled at a ceremony in a garden area at Upper Greens.

Sir Jimmy, who had been suffering from pneumonia, died peacefully in Perth Royal Infirmary on 22 December, 2000.