Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial 06

This obelisk is a memorial to those lost while serving in the Merchant Navy during both world wars. Unveiled in late 2010 by Princess Anne, it sits by the final section of the Water of Leith, close to the Port of Leith, where doubtless a number of those men would have sailed from.

 

The memorial is covered in small sculptures from Powderhall Bronze in Leith, designed by Jill Watson. Some on the face of the obelisk show maritime scenes, such as trade routes,

 

Around the entire piece there's a small ledge with these tiny figures depicting everyday scenes from life in the merchant navy, from officers plotting navigation to the ship's cook carrying a large pot (while a hopeful dog looks on).

 

"Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose hand does bind the restless wave,

Who bidst the mighty ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep;

Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,

For those in peril on the sea!"

(The Sailor's Hymn, William Whiting)

 

Done