Ballater Battle Memorial honoured in nationwide awards

Robert Aldridge, the Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and David Paton, nationwide vice chairman of Legion Scotland, introduced the Finest Saved Battle Memorial awards at New Haig Home in Edinburgh earlier this month.

Judges recognised memorials of all sizes within the nationwide competitors, with winners starting from Cockburnspath within the Scottish Borders and the Royal Scots Fusiliers Memorial in Ayrshire, to Dingwall and Fort William and District within the Highlands.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge stated: “Battle memorials present an essential place for reflection and the continued curiosity within the ‘Finest Saved Battle Memorial in Scotland’ competitors underlines the significance of remembering these of our fellow residents, alongside these from elsewhere, who made the last word sacrifice in serving our nation.

“It’s actually spectacular that, in opposition to the backdrop of the lengthy interval of Covid-mitigations, the competitors this yr was as passionate and of as excessive normal as at all times.”

The competitors was established in 1982 following considerations that many Scottish warfare memorials had fallen right into a poor state.

Horticulturalist Invoice Tait, who had labored on Scotland in Bloom in addition to at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Backyard, conceived of the competition to encourage teams to enhance their situation and look.

Mr Tait, who now leads the judging panel, stated: “Battle memorials are an important a part of Scottish communities, commemorating the sacrifices made by native folks from the First World Battle to newer conflicts.

“Due to the efforts of native volunteers, councils, and Legion Scotland members, we’ve seen many enhance through the years, with some that have been within the poorest situation now common winners.

“The competitors is at all times very fashionable, and this yr noticed an exceptionally excessive normal of entries.

“It’s inspiring to journey spherical Scotland and see the pleasure that native communities absorb taking care of their memorial and making certain it seems to be its finest.