Bronze Sculpture 'Fearless' Honors Legacy of Tain Couple Alex and Connie Morrison

Sayart

sayart2022@gmail.com | 2025-08-31 11:33:08

A striking bronze sculpture titled 'Fearless' has been unveiled at the Rose Garden in Tain, Scotland, commemorating the extraordinary lives and enduring legacy of Alex and Connie Morrison. The memorial was officially dedicated on Tuesday by Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty Joanie Whiteford, with the sculpture commissioned by the couple's sons, Sir Fraser Morrison and Gordon Morrison.

The impressive artwork captures a poignant moment from the brothers' childhood, depicting them walking across floor joists at one of their father's construction sites. This powerful imagery symbolizes the strength, boldness, and family spirit that defined Alex and Connie's life together. Award-winning sculptor Ian Wolter, a graduate of Cambridge School of Art, was chosen to create this meaningful tribute.

Alex Morrison's life story exemplifies remarkable resilience and determination. During World War II, he spent five grueling years as a prisoner of war before making a daring escape in the final weeks of the conflict and returning to the Scottish Highlands. In 1948, just one year after marrying Connie in 1947, Alex founded Alexander Morrison (Builders) Limited, laying the foundation for what would become an extraordinary business empire.

Over the following decades, the company Alex built from humble beginnings grew into Morrison Construction Group, one of the United Kingdom's most significant construction companies. Despite its massive growth and success, the company maintained its roots firmly planted in the small town of Tain, demonstrating the couple's unwavering commitment to their community.

A spokesperson for the Morrison brothers emphasized the sculpture's deeper meaning, stating that it 'stands not only as a tribute to the couple, but is also a nod to post-war resilience, partnership, and vision.' Alex and Connie were renowned throughout their community for their fearless, united approach to both life and business, facing challenges together with unwavering determination.

Gordon Morrison reflected on his parents' character during the unveiling ceremony, saying, 'Our parents were brave, determined, and completely committed to each other and to their community. This sculpture is a symbol of that courage and a reminder of what can grow from strong foundations.' He also expressed gratitude to Councilor Laura Dundas and the members of the Tain Task Force for their assistance in bringing the project to fruition smoothly.

Sir Fraser Morrison shared his satisfaction with the memorial, noting, 'Gordon and I had a great day in Tain. We are delighted with the Fearless sculpture in honor of our mother and father.' The brothers' decision to commission this public artwork demonstrates their desire to ensure their parents' contributions to the community are remembered for generations to come.

Lord Lieutenant Joanie Whiteford expressed her honor at participating in the dedication ceremony, stating, 'It was such a privilege to be invited to help Sir Fraser unveil the stunning memorial, Fearless, in memory of the enormous contribution his parents Alex and Connie Morrison made to Tain. I was blown away by how unbelievably striking the memorial was, and its presence will really enhance the Rose Garden.'

Sculptor Ian Wolter brings impressive credentials to this commission, having created numerous significant public works throughout his career. His notable pieces include 'Safe Haven,' the Kindertransport memorial in Harwich, 'The Children of Calais' in Saffron Walden, and various works for prestigious institutions such as the Fry Gallery, the National Army Museum, and Lady Margaret Hall at Oxford University. Wolter's artistic excellence has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the British Sustainability Art Prize, the Arte Laguna Prize in Venice, and the RomArt Sculpture Prize in Rome.

The 'Fearless' sculpture now stands as a permanent testament to Alex and Connie Morrison's remarkable journey from post-war recovery to business success, while never forgetting their roots or their responsibility to their community. Their story embodies the spirit of determination and partnership that helped rebuild Britain after World War II, making this memorial not just a local tribute but a symbol of an entire generation's resilience and vision.

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