Clearances statue unveiled abroad

The Exiles statue at Helmsdale in Sutherland

A statue marking the achievements of those who left Scotland for Canada during the Highland Clearances has been unveiled by the environment minister.

More than 300 people attended the ceremony, which was carried out by Mike Russell in Winnipeg on Saturday.

It is the first statue of its kind to be erected outside Scotland and is a twin of a sculpture called The Exiles, sited in Helmsdale in Sutherland.

That memorial was unveiled by First Minister Alex Salmond last summer.

Mr Russell also used the occasion to promote Homecoming 2009 - next year's celebration of all things Scottish.

His speech highlighted the legacy that linked Scotland and Canada and encouraged people of Scottish ancestry to return to their roots next year.

Mining millionaire

Earlier this year, the BBC Scotland news website reported how replicas of The Exiles could be erected in other countries.

The plan involved Canadian mining millionaire Dennis Macleod, who was behind the Helmsdale memorial.

The 10ft-high bronze statue commemorates the people who were cleared from the area by landowners.

Depicting a family leaving their home, it stands at the mouth of the Strath of Kildonan and was created by Black Isle sculptor Gerald Laing.

The replica is situated close to the Red River in Winnipeg, where the Earl of Selkirk settled Scottish families.

Hundreds of people turned out for the unveiling, including Lord James Douglas Hamilton, whose ancestors established a community in Winnipeg more than 100 years ago.