AN ARTIST’S impression has been unveiled for a symbol of remembrance at the children’s cemetery in Peebles.

The town’s community council has given its support to the creation of two circular metal sculptures which will be mounted on a concrete base.

Parents of children and babies interred at the cemetery agreed that the two cherry trees should be felled, as the area is dark and damp and covered in bird droppings.

Community councillor Alan Mackenzie has been communicating with bereaved parents regarding the plans.

A suggestion was made to erect a Tree of Tranquillity, similar to the metal sculptures launched by the charity SiMBA.

Updating members on the design and progress, Mr Mackenzie said: “To produce an actual tree sculpture may be extremely expensive so it is mounted on a circle as you can see.

“There would be one at either end of the children’s cemetery.

"The design has been produced and the girls are going to see the manufacturers.

“If people would rather it was a tree, this could be produced.

“Once they’ve spoken to manufacturers they will have a better idea of the size and scale of the sculpture.”

Giving his thoughts on the design, chairman Les Turnbull said: “I understand the point you make about this being the first iteration of the design, but I personally like what I see.

“From the feedback I received from fellow community councillors, I think most people were happy with what is being suggested.

“However, there were some comments about whether or not copper leaves and the metal could live in harmony beside one another, that the copper might actually cause some sort of erosion.”

Mr Mackenzie acknowledged this, adding that the leaves, which would be inscribed with the names of a baby or child who has died, could be brass of a similar metal that will weather with time.

He added: “When I seen the design, something that came to my mind is that because it’s an open cemetery, it’s almost a construction that was climbable, and would that be acceptable to Scottish Borders Council?

"However, anyone could climb on the trees that are there just now.”

Mr Turnbull said: “We, the community council, like what we see and are keen to see a more complete design with how it’s going to be mounted and the materials which will be used.”