PICTURES: Dingwall War Memorial turns the heads of judges to win prestigious 'best kept' award organised by Royal British Legion Scotland
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Dingwall War Memorial has been recognised as the one of the best maintained in Scotland at a prestigious event in Edinburgh.
The annual Best Kept War Memorial 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.
The Dingwall memorial was selected winner in the Memorial without Gardens category.
Legion Scotland’s Best Kept War Memorial competition was established in 1982 thanks to the vision of Bill Tait, a horticulturalist 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.”
Morris Colven, secretary of the Dingwall branch of Legion Scotland, said: “We were absolutely delighted to win the Memorial without Gardens award. A huge amount of work goes into maintaining our local memorial and I would like to pay tribute to the entire team for their tireless dedication throughout the year, without whom this would not have been possible.”
Bill Tait added: “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.”
Lord Provost Frank Ross 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:
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
