Statue of famous Saskatoon soldier Hugh Cairns restored

While talk of public art in Saskatoon sometimes devolves into a debate over meaning and value, the oldest piece in the city's collection is a no-nonsense statue honouring a brave soldier.

The Sergeant Hugh Cairns statue has stood on guard on the south edge of Kinsmen Park since 1921.

According to a news release from the city, "the marble sculpture required professional cleaning and repainting of its granite base."

That work is now complete.

Hugh Cairns was killed in action in France on Nov.2, 1918. On Nov.1, 1919, he was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery.He was also awarded France's highest honour, the Legion of Honour.

While Cairns is known as a soldier, he was also an avid soccer player. It's his sporting side that's captured in the statue, as his likeness stands with a soccer ball beneath his foot and his hand on his hip. The statue stands overlooking the field where Cairns played soccer before heading off to war.