Highland War Memorial short-listed for Award
An INVERNESS War Memorial in Cavell Gardens has been shortlisted for a Best Kept War Memorial trophy by the Royal British Legion Scotland.
A representative from the Highland Council grounds service team has been invited to attend the Legion Scotland presentation on 17 September for the announcement of the trophy winners.
There are 177 War Memorials across the Highland region and Council members have stressed the importance of the upkeep of these important landmarks in memory of those who have died serving their country.
A four year programme of repairs to our War Memorials was agreed in September 2013, to be completed prior to the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.
The Council has committed £200,000 over the four years from 2014/15 to 2017/18 from the Capital Discretionary Fund to support the refurbishment of War Memorials, in recognition of the centenary of the First World War. Additional funding will also be sourced from special funds such as the Scottish Government’s Centenary Memorial Restoration Fund.
The Council is keen to engage with communities interested in making bids to the War Memorials Trust with support from the Council. Guidance has been developed by Community Services for Community Councils, Ward Managers and Area Community Services staff to explain the processes and help available through the Council.
A survey of the War Memorials was undertaken by a National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) accredited HC inspector. The survey identified and classified required maintenance and restoration work, with an estimate of costs prepared.
Local Groups being supported through the process so far include Helmsdale, Plockton, Glenelg, Kilmore, Bonar Bridge, Brora and Ullapool. Memorials whose communities are keen to progress refurbishment but that are not likely to meet the criteria of the War Memorials Trust will be prioritised at this stage for support from the Council.
Councillor Maxine Smith, Chair of the Resources Committee said: “I am delighted to hear that one of our War Memorials has been short-listed for a Legion Scotland trophy.
“War Memorials are important within communities and especially so during the centenary commemorations. Members in all areas are keen that restoration work takes place where needed and that local communities are involved in these projects. There has been a delay in getting to this stage, but everything is now in place to support progress over the next 4 years.”
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