Tag: war memorials

Consultation open for Desecration of War Memorials Prevention (Scotland) Bill

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Meghan Gallacher MSP yesterday (Wednesday) launched her Proposed Desecration of War Memorials Prevention Scotland Members Bill for consultation at Holyrood.

The legislation would ensure that attacks on war memorials – which have been on the rise over the last decade – are actively discouraged by amending vandalism law to recognise the desecration of these monuments as a specific offence, which would bring Scotland into line with England and Wales.

The consultation will run from now until December 19.

In the early hours of Monday 14th November the war memorial in front of Edinburgh City Council was vandalised in what was a mindless act of vandalism.

Miles Briggs asked an FMQ at the Scottish Parliament that Thursday describing the incident as an “absolutely appalling insult to our fallen war heroes”.

Groups including the Friends of Dennistoun War Memorial have campaigned tirelessly for this legislation, which has also secured the support of veterans’ organisations, past and present British Armed Forces personnel – including Simon Weston – veterans campaigners, community action groups, and leading veteran charities.

Miles Briggs is now encouraging people to make their views known through the consultation so that Scotland’s War Memorials will receive the protection that they deserve.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “I fully support my colleague Meghan Gallacher’s proposed bill to protect our war memorials in Scotland.

“Vandalising war memorials is an abhorrent act and those who damage these memorials should be punished appropriately.

“I encourage everyone in the Lothians to engage with this consultation to prevent our war memorials from being vandalised .”

Carnoustie War Memorial crowned Best in Scotland

Carnoustie War Memorial has been crowned the best in Scotland at a prestigious event in Edinburgh.  The annual competition, organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland (Legion Scotland), returned for a 39th year in 2021 having been paused last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Memorials large and small were recognised at a ceremony held in Edinburgh City Chambers and hosted by Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Rt Hon Frank Ross, on Friday 10th September. The Carnoustie memorial was chosen as the Champion of Champions, with other category winners including the War Memorials in Greystone Carmyllie (Angus) and Kirriemuir.

Legion Scotland’s Best Kept War Memorial competition was established in 1982 thanks to the vision of Bill Tait, a horticulturalist who was working with Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens at the time.

Observing that many local War Memorials were in a poor state, Bill initiated the competition to improve their condition and appearance. Many memorials that were in the poorest condition at the start of the competition are now regular winners, a testament to the persistence, hard work and passion of the Legion Scotland members and other local volunteers involved.

Bill Tait said: “Our warmest congratulations go to all of this year’s winners. War memorials are such an important part of the fabric of communities across Scotland. Nearly every city, town and village has a memorial and it remains a vital and highly visible means of remembering the sacrifices made by so many in defence of our country, from the First World War to more recent conflicts.

“Recognising the huge efforts to maintain these sacred sites through the Legion Scotland Best Kept War Memorial competition is so important and it is a great honour to be Chair of the judging panel.

“The judges are looking for War Memorials to be in prime condition; clean, the masonry must be well maintained, lettering to be clear and legible and any metalwork to be well preserved.

“Access paths and seating are also important factors. On the horticultural side, the flora displays are scrutinised for their condition and should be weed free. Lawns and hedges should also be in pristine condition.

“Use of the Legion’s colours of blue and gold gain extra points.”

Speaking at Friday’s award ceremony, Lord Provost Frank Ross (above, centre) said: “War memorials provide an important place for reflection and the continued interest in Legion Scotland’s Best Kept War Memorial competition underlines the importance of remembering our fellow citizens, alongside those from elsewhere, who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country.

“As the Capital’s Veteran Champion and on behalf of the citizens of Edinburgh I would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter during these difficult times and to those who have organised the competition. It is truly impressive to hear that the competition this year was as fierce as always and the high standards attained. My sincere congratulations to the winners and thank you for your hard work and dedication.”

The 2021 winners are:

CategoryWinner
Champion of Champions                      Carnoustie
Large Community with Gardens        Forres
Small Community with Gardens            Golspie
Memorial without Gardens                 Dingwall
Satellite Memorial with Gardens            Greystone Carmyllie
Satellite Memorial without Gardens      Dallas
New Entry                                                Kirriemuir 

Communities: care for your war memorials

War Memorial Clean Ups
 DSCN1167Scotland has an estimated 6,000 war memorials. Many of these are treasured but sadly others are neglected and vandalised or left to suffer the effects of ageing and weathering. 

With a war memorial in nearly every community, its preservation and upkeep is an integral part of having respect for an area.

In preparation for Remembrance Sunday 2014, Clean Up Scotland is encouraging volunteers to organise Clean Up events in the green spaces and streets surrounding their local war memorial.

See our War Memorial Clean Ups Information Pack for guidance on how to organise a Clean Up event in your area, and how to report on the general condition of the local war memorial through War Memorials Trust. The pack also include information on funding, and case studies to inspire you.

DSCF4497Please email us at info@cleanupscotland.com to tell us more about your event, and send us photographs of your hard work.

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