Lennox unveils Mandela memorial

Annie Lennox unveiled the memorial at the City Chambers in Edinburgh

Pop star Annie Lennox has unveiled a stone memorial in Edinburgh to honour the city's links with Nelson Mandela and his fight against HIV/Aids.

The Eurythmics singer is a UK ambassador for the former South African president's Aids charity 46664.

The stone will bear the works "It's in our hands to win the fight against HIV" and feature handprints from Ms Lennox and a 15-year-old boy with HIV.

The memorial will be sited at the City Chambers on the High Street.

Mr Mandela was given the freedom of the city of Edinburgh in 1997 and is one of only five people still living who have been bestowed with the honour.

Ms Lennox, who fronts her own Aids charity Sing, said the memorial was created to provoke thought.

'An inspiration'

She said: "As well as honouring Nelson Mandela, it gives the passer-by an opportunity to pause and reflect upon the significance of the HIV/Aids pandemic, which is devastating the lives of millions people across the continent of Africa and across the entire globe."

The stone was unveiled at the City Chambers quadrangle across from the engraved handprints of Ian Rankin and JK Rowling.

The ceremony was accompanied by music from the African Children's Choir, who are also performing at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

They also performed with Ms Lennox at Nelson Mandela's 46664 concert in South Africa in 2005.

Jenny Dawe, leader of Edinburgh City Council, said: "Nelson Mandela has represented world peace for decades and he's an inspiration to us all."