The snowcovered glens of Angus will host a world first this weekend with the unveiling of a new memorial to the heroic leaders of the Terra Nova Antarctic expedition.
All roads will lead to Glen Prosen on Saturday when the spectacular granite sculpture honouring Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Dr Edward Adrian Wilson is revealed a century on from when the pair perished on their fateful return from the race to the South Pole early in 1912.
Scott and Wilson stayed at Burnside Lodge in Glen Prosen and knew the area well, using it as a base to plan the expedition and test equipment.
The magnificent new monument has been produced by renowned local sculptor Bruce Walker after an effort led by the local community to create a permanent reminder of the historic connection.
A fountain was first installed on the spot in Glen Prosen known as Scott’s View in 1919.
It was destroyed in a car accident in 1979 and replaced by a now badly-weathered memorial cairn.
Terra Nova group chairman Ivan Laird said Saturday’s unveiling, due to take place at noon, will be a significant chapter in the closing stages of the expedition’s centenary year.
Among the VIP guests attending will be representatives of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, whose research has revealed the significance of the Angus monument.
There are many statues across the globe in recognition of expedition leader Scott, but the glen creation is thought to be the only one honouring both men.
Terra Nova group officials are keen for the public to enjoy the unveiling but have issued travel advice for the rural event.
”The road from Dykehead, just north of Kirriemuir, into Glen Prosen will be shut for the duration of the unveiling and all visitors are asked to park in the car park in Dykehead village,” Mr Laird said.
”A shuttle bus is being laid on to ferry people up to the memorial sculpture, both before and after the unveiling.”