{"id":801603,"date":"2026-10-13T20:44:13","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T20:44:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/801603\/"},"modified":"2026-10-13T20:44:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T20:44:13","slug":"new-nelson-mandela-statue-given-proper-glasgow-welcome-with-cone-within-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/801603\/","title":{"rendered":"New Nelson Mandela statue given proper Glasgow welcome with cone within days"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"Alamy
\n\t\tThe newly unveiled statue of former South African president Nelson Mandela (Picture: Alamy Live News)<\/p>\n

Nelson Mandela\u2019s new statue in Glasgow has been given the city\u2019s traditional welcome of a traffic cone placed on its head just days after it was unveiled.<\/p>\n

The monument was revealed in Nelson Mandela Place on Friday, marking 33 years since the former South African president was granted the Freedom of the City.<\/p>\n

However, it didn\u2019t take long before someone added the familiar Glasgow finishing touch.<\/p>\n

The stunt echoes the city\u2019s famous Duke of Wellington statue outside the Gallery of Modern Art, which has become synonymous with having a traffic cone balanced on its head.<\/p>\n

The new Mandela monument was created by artist Alan B Herriot, whose design was selected from five proposals displayed at Glasgow City Chambers last year.<\/p>\n

It is estimated to have cost around \u00a3180,000, with organisers saying the money was raised entirely through donations and support, without using public funds.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Alamy
\n\t\tThe statue was unveiled in Nelson Mandela Place on Friday (Picture: Alamy Live News)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Alamy
\n\t\tThe statue was given the city\u2019s traditional welcome of a traffic cone placed on its head(Picture: Alamy Live News)<\/p>\n

Brian Filling, chair of the Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation, said the statue would serve as a lasting tribute to Mandela and the South African people\u2019s struggle for freedom.<\/p>\n

\u2018This will be a permanent memorial to Nelson Mandela and the struggle of the South African people and our solidarity, and that\u2019s why Glasgow is important in that whole history,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

However, social media users online have debated whether the cone tradition \u2013 which even featured during Scotland\u2019s 2026 World Cup campaign \u2013 was appropriate for a memorial that honoured the anti-apartheid leader.<\/p>\n

Mandela visited Glasgow on October 9, 1993, when thousands gathered in George Square to see him receive the Freedom of the City.<\/p>\n

Glasgow had become the first city in the world to award him the honour in 1981, while he was still imprisoned on Robben Island. <\/p>\n

He spent 27 years behind bars before his release in 1990 and became South Africa<\/a>\u2019s president in 1994, following the end of apartheid.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Nelson
\n\t\tThe monument marks 33 years since the former South African president was granted the Freedom of the City (Picture: Jane Barlow\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n

Describing the unveiling of the monument, the Lord Provost said: \u2018Today marks a historic moment for our city as we gather in Nelson Mandela Place to unveil a permanent statue of a man whose name has long been woven into Glasgow\u2019s history and whose values continue to inspire people across the world.<\/p>\n

\u2018This is a proud day for Glasgow. A city that forged a unique relationship with Nelson Mandela long before he became president of South Africa and long before the apartheid regime finally fell.<\/p>\n

\u2018At a time at a time when some seek to spread misinformation, foster suspicion, and divide communities, Glasgow remains unwavering in its belief that diversity is a strength.<\/p>\n

\u2018We are a city enriched by the people who have chosen to make their home here. Bringing cultures, talents, and perspectives from across the world.\u2019<\/p>\n


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