A 10ft bronze statue, depicting a family of four leaving their home in Scotland, will be unveiled in Canada later today, commemorating the thousands forced out during the Highland Clearances.

Environment Minister Michael Russell will perform the ceremony in Winnipeg, the provincial capital of Manitoba. Exiles will be the first statue outside of Scotland which commemorates those who left during the clearances.

A twin statue, Emigrants, was unveiled by First Minister Alex Salmond in Helmsdale, Sutherland, in July last year. Further monuments are planned in other international locations.

Many of the emigrants became known in Canada as the Selkirk Settlers since their emigration in the early 19th century was organised by Thomas Douglas, the 5th Earl of Selkirk. They settled on land given over by the Hudson's Bay Company beside the Red River which is now Winnipeg.

Speaking before the unveiling, Mr Russell encouraged Canadians of Scottish ancestry to make the return journey to their roots in 2009 and join the Homecoming Scotland celebrations.

"The Highland Clearances are a dark and turbulent chapter in Scotland's history, but it is important that we remember them and recognise the legacy they have left behind, both in Scotland and around the world. The Exiles statue is a beautiful and poignant piece of art that commemorates those families who were dispossessed of their homes and land and who left for distant shores, enduring great hardship in the process."

But it was also a celebration of the contribution the emigrants made to their new home, he said, and of the countries who embraced them. "The Scottish influence on Canadian life, politics and business has been widespread ever since. Canada's first Prime Minister was a Scot and seven subsequent premiers have been of Scottish ancestry."