"Statues of history's rich and powerful men are commonplace and increasingly controversial. It is refreshing that an undisputedly important figure who made a vital contribution, not just to Scotland but to the world, will be commemorated in Aberdeen. Scientist John Macleod's key role in the discovery of insulin continues to save lives on a daily basis, and his story deserves to be known. As society rightly moves away from the idea that wealth is the only marker of success, we hope to see sculptures of many more admirable women and men pop up across the north and north-east, each one reminding future generations of the incredible things 'ordinary' people can do".