STATUE UNVEILED AT FORT-WILLIAM

A memorial of the late Lochiel was yesterday unveiled at Fort-William by Mrs Cameron Lucy of Callart, superior of the burgh.  Erected on the old parade ground, the memorial consists of a life size statue in bronze of the late chief, placed on a rough grey granite pedestal, on which is the following inscription in Gaelic and English: -

"Donald Cameron of Lochiel, twenty-fourth chief of the clan. Lord-Lieutenant, convener, and for many years representative in Parliament of the county of Inverness. Born 1835; died 1805. Erected by clansmen and friends in token of their devotion, respect, and admiration,"

It has been erected to the design of W. Birnie Rhind, R.S.A., Edinburgh.

Typical winter conditions prevailed, but irrespective of frost and snow, a large crowd of people witnessed the ceremony.  A guard of honour was supplied by a detachment of the Cameron Highlanders, Fort-William, a contingent of Lovat' s Scouts, and a full representation of the local Boys' Brigade company.  A squad of pipers from Inverness were also in attendance, as well as a deputation from the Clan Cameron Association.  On the unveiling of the statue by Mrs Lucy, the pipers marched round the square playing "Lochaber no More," a lament which tended only to accentuate the prevalent sadness.

A short address was afterwards delivered by the Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Lord-Lieutenant of the County, who spoke of the late Lochiel' s long public career in Inverness-shire, of his labours for seventeen years as their Parliamentary, representative, and of the debt of gratitude which tie people owed him for the ungrudging services which he rendered in the matter of promoting the network of railways throughout the west Highlands, the benefits of which were now enjoyed by the people of that district.  In agricultural and pastoral affairs the late Lochiel was universally admitted to be an unrivalled authority and his fairmindedness made him an arbiter who was much in demand by a very large section of agriculturists, irrespective of party or creed.  After touching on the chief's social life, the Mackintosh concluded by saving that it required no such memorial as had that day been unveiled to perpetuate his worth, for long after that statue had crumbled to dust the memory of Lochiel would be kept green amongst the people, and in the district which he loved so well.

Provost Mackenzie, for the town, accepted custody of the memorial.