Memorial Restoration Works Highlighted in lead up to Armistice Day

5th October 2018

The Leader of The Highland Council has highlighted the excellent restoration work being done on war memorials across the Highlands using funding from the Council and the Scottish Governments Centenary War Memorial Restoration Fund which is administered by the Council.

Recently a rededication service was held in Dores following an ambitious project lead by the local community with support by the Council to restore their distinctive war memorial. The Memorial, which takes the shape of an archway is a pottery cast and is situated at the entrance of the village churchyard, has been returned to its original splendour to mark the centenary of World War I.

The restoration costs of £50,000 have been met by grants from various organisations including £28,130 from the Centenary Memorials Restoration Fund, and including donations from local residents.

Leading up to the centenary, The Highland Council's allocation from the Fund has been £50,000 a year. Since the Fund became available in 2014 the Council has been consulting with local communities on a programme of refurbishment which range from landscape works, masonry work, clock repairs and inscriptions and repainting.

Works led by the Highland Council are currently underway at a number of other memorials including Kingussie, Newtonmore, Glengarry, Lochaline, Laggan, Acharacle, Aviemore, Munlochy, Glenfinnan, Ballachulish and Glencoe, Kilchoan and Ferenish.

Restoration works completed earlier this year by the Council include the memorials in Portree, Wick, Thurso, Dunbeath, Golspie, Fort William, Contin, Ullapool, Dundonnell, Invermoriston, Ardersier, Conon Bridge, and Strathconnon.

Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "Firstly I would like to congratulate the community of Dores and everyone involved with the project for their hard work. The craftsmanship of the detailed work is outstanding and the memorial now proudly stands out and is a credit all those who have volunteered their time and energy throughout the project and all the skilled professionals who worked on it.

“War Memorials stand at the heart of almost every community throughout the Highlands. Large numbers of Highland and Island communities were devastated as a result of war as the strong tradition of military service amongst Scots left many towns and villages with few adult males. I therefore feel it very fitting as we prepare to mark the centenary of World War I that work to bring these memorials back to their former glory is taking place."

She added: “Much of this work is being done in-house with the council so I would like to pay tribute to the staff involved, especially Alf Leslie, for their commitment and outstanding work.”