Published Date: Dec 13th, 2023
The Fife Babies Memorial Garden, in Public Park Dunfermline, was officially opened on Sunday 10 December by the Provost of Fife, Jim Leishman.
The memorial garden is dedicated to all the babies whose ashes were not returned to their families as a result of historic cremation practices.
At the private gathering, Chief Executive of Fife Council Ken Gourlay reaffirmed the formal apology made to the families affected and went on to say: "A place of acknowledgement and remembrance is of great importance. Whilst the garden and sculpture provide the memorial place, the memorial tree provides the personal tribute to the babies.
"The garden and sculpture are stunning. And the garden is set to only grow more beautiful throughout the seasons of the year. I hope families will find comfort when they visit.”
Melanie Malcolm spoke at the service on behalf of the parents and families and expressed what the memorial means to them. Some parents have also chosen to add a leaf to the memorial tree, a personal message dedicated to their baby.
Upon officially opening the memorial garden, Provost Jim Leishman added that: “The memorial garden is a credit to the parents and a heartfelt remembrance to their baby. The plants have been picked to give bloom and colour throughout the year and when the spring comes, the bulbs planted all around the garden will provide a carpet of colour.
"The intricate sculpture, titled ‘Entwined’ is very moving. Its title was chosen by the parents involved and I hope you will find comfort in the many elements and character of the design. The parents, the landscape designers, the artists and the landscapers have all come together to create a place that is intimately meaningful yet publicly inclusive.”
The garden was designed by Andy McLatchie, Director of DWA Landscape Architects Ltd, to complement the park and provide a place of peace and tranquillity. The sculpture ‘Entwined’ is a bespoke piece of art work designed in collaboration with the parents and created by Kevin Paxton of ArtFe. And bringing the garden from plan to reality are landscapers, Alex Butters Landscape Ltd.