Time - A Painting for the SFA Hampden Stadium & Adult Voices
I recently had the honour and privilege of undertaking a very important commission from the Scottish Football Association. The painting is called 'Time".
The Scottish FA will proudly display a painting, 'Time', within the National Stadium. This significant artwork serves as a permanent and powerful testimonial, acknowledging the profound experiences and lasting impact on individuals who have been personally affected by non-recent sexual abuse in Scottish football.
This poignant painting, entitled ‘Time’, was completed in early 2025 by acclaimed Scottish artist Kevin Hunter. His work was commissioned by the Scottish FA and meticulously guided by the Adult Voices – a courageous group of individuals who bravely came forward to share their experiences of abuse in Scottish football, ensuring authenticity and respect in the artistic representation.
The creation of this permanent testimonial was a key recommendation from the Independent Review into Sexual Abuse in Scottish Football, which was initiated in 2016. Following the review's publication in 2021, the Scottish FA, as the sport's governing body, issued a heartfelt apology to survivors on behalf of the national game, marking a commitment to accountability and healing.
The review provided a crucial platform for those who stepped forward, ensuring their voices were heard and acknowledged. Their powerful testimonies shed light on the harm and abuse they endured while participating in football, driving the review's primary objective: to learn from the past and implement effective changes.
These invaluable contributions from survivors have been instrumental in enabling significant and tangible improvements in how Scottish football safeguards children and young people today. The insight gained has directly shaped new policies and procedures for enhanced protection.
Since the Independent Review, Scottish football has implemented numerous initiatives to enhance the well-being and protection of children involved in the sport.
'Time' was formally unveiled on Monday evening during a quiet ceremony in the President's Suite at Hampden Park.
Following the unveiling of ‘Time’, Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive of the Scottish FA, emphasized the organization's dedication: "Since the publication of the Independent Review in 2021, addressing its recommendations has been a paramount priority for us, both as a board and an association. This unveiling represents the latest significant stride in our ongoing commitment."
He further highlighted the progress made: "Our Wellbeing and Protection Team has achieved remarkable advancements over the past four years. They have significantly strengthened the robust mechanisms for reporting and managing child wellbeing and protection concerns, and crucially, ensured that every club now has a trained Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer in place, fostering a safer environment for all young participants."
Maxwell concluded by acknowledging the profound contribution of survivors: "As noted in the report, Scottish football owes an enduring debt of gratitude to the strength and courage of those who spoke out. We have conscientiously ensured that the wishes of the Adult Voices group were respectfully considered at every stage of developing this powerful memorial."
Kevin Hunter, the Scottish artist behind 'Time', shared his personal connection to the project: "As a fervent supporter of the Scotland national team, the mere prospect of creating a painting for the Scottish FA and Hampden was captivating. However, I quickly realized this project transcended mere football; it carried immense weight, a deeply human narrative that rendered the work both incredibly challenging and profoundly meaningful."
Hunter elaborated on his creative process: "I drew inspiration from my own cherished memories of playing football as a child, enriching this with extensive research into historical photographs of children playing games in front of tenements. I also gathered invaluable personal stories by conversing with my father and other members of older generations about their own childhood experiences, ensuring the painting resonated with a collective past."
He reflected on the emotional journey: "The creative process was a blend of smiles and tears, with moments of genuine doubt about my ability to truly capture the essence of the brief. Therefore, receiving the feedback from the Adult Voices after I submitted the painting was far more than just a relief—it was a profound validation of the entire challenging yet rewarding journey."
Hunter concluded, expressing deep gratitude: "The most moving aspect, however, was receiving personal messages directly from the group members. That was an unexpected and deeply touching gesture, making me feel truly honored to have contributed to such an important memorial."
An anonymous representative from the Adult Voices group offered a profound reflection on the painting: "I was approached by the Scottish FA to suggest a respectful method of commemorating a period in Scottish footballing history that has left such a solemn and widespread impact."
They further explained their reasoning for suggesting art: "Reflecting not just on my own thoughts and memories, but also on the shifting perspectives of so many others across the country, made my idea of a commissioned painting quite clear. A piece of art or a painting often possesses the unique ability to forge a cultural bond, regardless of where we grew up, and can also powerfully transcend time, speaking to generations."
The representative praised the artwork's effectiveness: "This painting, I believe, has brilliantly captured the essence of the brief and can effortlessly evoke the spirit of any town in Scotland across different eras. It offers everyone a vital opportunity to reflect, understand, and then look forward with a sense of peace and contentment. I am incredibly thankful to Kevin the artist, whose remarkable skill and deep understanding have managed to translate the collective thoughts and memories of a nation onto canvas."
The Adult Voices representative concluded with a heartfelt message: "Despite my experiences, I have always considered myself fortunate. I must extend my deepest gratitude to my family and friends for simply affording me the time, space, and the courage to help others. I also thank the Scottish FA for their selfless commitment, professionalism, and understanding, for meeting with so many, and, most importantly, for simply listening."
To access comprehensive Wellbeing and Protection Policies and resources, please click here: Child Wellbeing and Protection Policy | Children's Rights and Wellbeing | Scottish FA
If you require support or wish to discuss your own experiences, please reach out to the following helplines:
Police Scotland: 101
NSPCC Helpline for people abused in football: 0800 023 2642
Scottish FA: childrenswellbeing@scottishfa.co.uk
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