The competition was fierce as almost 100 war memorials battled it out across several categories in Legion Scotland’s annual ‘Best Kept War Memorial’ event, with the winners receiving their awards at a special ceremony at Edinburgh Council City Chambers...
The competition serves to foster public awareness of war memorials, and to encourage a high standard of continuing maintenance by local authorities. Legion Scotland aims to promote this through its Areas and Branches by working closer with local people to encourage memorial garden maintenance.
This year, Carnoustie was named the winner of the ‘Champion of Champions’ category. The other winners included: HMP Glenochil in the ‘Satellite Memorial Without Gardens’ category; Forres in the ‘Large Community with Gardens’ category; Carmyllie of Greystone in the ‘Satellite Memorial with Gardens’ category; Lossiemouth in the ‘Memorial without Gardens’ category; Ballater in the ‘Small Community with Gardens’ category; and Dingwall in the ‘New Entry’ category.
Legion Scotland Chief Executive Dr Claire Armstrong said: “The standard we have seen in 2019 has been nothing short of outstanding. The continued interest in the Best Kept War Memorial competition and the countless hours dedicated to their upkeep underlines that remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country remains as important and relevant as ever.
“The competition creates a huge number of benefits for local communities, including team spirit, camaraderie and addressing social isolation – an issue which can be especially prevalent among veterans. It also raises awareness among the younger generation of the sacrifices made by their local forebears and the continued relevance of remembrance today.”
Veterans Minister Graeme Dey said: “War memorials are places of remembrance; a lasting tribute to our fallen Servicemen and Servicewomen who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defending our freedoms. Indeed, every war memorial in Scotland stands as a constant reminder of how much we all owe our veterans and their families, past and present.
“It is fitting that Carnoustie has been recognised in the Best Kept War Memorial competition this year. Living in the town as I do, I know the pride that the community takes in the history of service associated with the area. And the winning of these categories is entirely deserved for a memorial that is a great credit to everyone involved in its maintenance.”