The Scottish FA will display a painting within the National Stadium to stand as a permanent testimonial to the experiences and impact of those individuals who have been personally affected by non-recent sexual abuse in Scottish football.
This painting, entitled ‘Time’ was completed in early 2025 by Scottish artist, Kevin Hunter, after being commissioned by the Scottish FA and guided by the Adult Voices – a group of people who courageously came forward to share their experiences of abuse in football.
The establishment of a permanent testimonial was one of the recommendations of the Independent Review into Sexual Abuse in Scottish Football, commissioned in 2016. The review was published in 2021, when the Scottish FA issued an apology to survivors on behalf of the national game as the sport’s governing body.
The review heard from those who came forward to make others aware of the harm and abuse they experienced through their participation in football. It was set up to consider these issues and to make recommendations for change.
The primary objective of the review was to learn, and the voices of those who spoke out have enabled real and effective change to be made to the way that Scottish football protects children and young people.
Since the Independent Review there have been many changes to improve the wellbeing and protection of children within Scottish Football.
'Time' was unveiled on Monday evening in the President's Suite at Hampden Park, in a small ceremony.
Speaking after the unveiling 'of Time', Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive, Scottish FA said: "Since publication of the Independent Review in 2021, we have considered the recommendations a priority for us, as a board and an association, and this unveiling marks the latest important step.
"Our Wellbeing and Protection Team have made great strides in the past four years, strengthening the robust mechanisms for reporting and managing child wellbeing and protection concerns, and ensuring that there is a trained Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer at every club.
"As acknowledged in the report, Scottish football is forever indebted to the strength and courage of those who spoke out, and we have ensured the wishes of the Adult Voices group were considered at every juncture throughout the completion of this memorial."
Kevin Hunter, Scottish artist and creator of 'Time' added: "As a keen supporter of the Scotland national team, I was intrigued at the mere possibility of creating a painting for the Scottish FA and Hampden. But I soon learned this project was about so much more than football. It had a real weight to it, a deep human story that made the work both incredibly challenging and meaningful.
"I drew inspiration from my own memories of playing football as a child, supplemented by research into old photographs of children playing games in front of tenements and gathered personal stories by speaking with my father and other members of older generations about their own childhoods.
"There were smiles and tears throughout the process, and honestly, moments where I doubted I could create something worthy of the brief. So, when I finally submitted the painting, the feedback I received from Adult Voices was more than just a relief—it was a validation of the entire difficult journey.
"The most moving part, though, was receiving personal messages from group members. That wasn't something I ever expected, and it made me feel honoured.”
One of the Adult Voices representatives, speaking anonymously, also reflected on the painting. They said: "I was asked by the Scottish FA to suggest a method of respectfully commemorating a period in Scottish footballing history that has had such a solemn impact upon so many.
"Reflecting upon not just my own thoughts and memories but also the change in thoughts of so many more across the country made my idea of a commissioned painting rather clear. A piece of art or painting can so often capture a cultural bond irrespective of where we grew up and can also transcend time.
"This painting I believe has brilliantly captured the brief and can so easily reflect any town in Scotland at any time in history. It gives everyone the opportunity to reflect, understand and look forward with peace and contentment. I'm thankful to Kevin the artist, whose skill and understanding has managed to put onto canvas the thoughts and memories of a nation.
"Despite my experiences, I have always considered myself lucky. I must thank my family and friends for simply giving me time, space and the courage to help others. I thank the Scottish FA for their selfless commitment and professionalism and understanding, meeting so many and for simply listening."
To access the Wellbeing and Protection Policy and resources please click here. Child Wellbeing and Protection Policy | Children's Rights and Wellbeing | Scottish FA
If you would like to speak to someone about your own experiences, then you can contact:
Police Scotland on 101
NSPCC Helpline for people abused in football: 0800 023 2642
Scottish FA – childrenswellbeing@scottishfa.co.uk
