War memorials to receive funding for repairs as part of centenary commemorations

War memorials in Cowie and Strathblane are to receive £1.5k and £2.4k respectively, to carry out vital repairs, as part of an initiative to restore memorials across the country, as part of the four year centenary commemorations of the First World War.

They are part of a wider group of 8 war memorials across Scotland who have been awarded a total of £87k. Two well-known Falkirk memorials - the Duke of Wellington Memorial (pictured) and Falkirk Boer War Memorials in Newmarket Street - are to receive £750 each. The announcement coincides with the commemorations for the centenary of the beginning of the Battle of Verdun – one of the longest and bloodiest conflicts of the First World War.

The recipients are located from across the country, with awards going to memorials in Barra, Falkirk, Orkney, Cowie, Strathblane, and East Dunbartonshire. The size of grant ranges from just over £48k for significant repairs to a large archway in Kirkintilloch, down to just £750 for the provision of professional advice to understand the complexities of works required before starting the full conservation of a war memorial.

Although the money isn’t exclusively for the repair of First World War memorials, communities are taking inspiration from the commemoration of the centenary to ensure their local war memorials are a fitting tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The grants have been awarded via the Centenary Memorials Restoration Fund which is funded by the Scottish Government and Historic Environment Scotland and administered by War Memorials Trust.

Frances Moreton, Director of War Memorials Trust said: “It is wonderful that since the Fund launched in 2013 communities across Scotland have received funding to support the repair and conservation of their local war memorials. Over 70 memorials have benefitted so far but hundreds of memorials across Scotland remain in Poor or Very bad condition. With funding still available we hope that many more repair and conservation projects will emerge. If you have a war memorial concern, please get in touch to see how we can help. The centenary of World War I really is a unique opportunity to secure the preservation of our shared war memorial heritage for future generations.”

These grants bring to £617k the total amount offered to 73 Scottish war memorials since the scheme was launched by Former First Minister Alex Salmond in 2013. With a pot of £1 million made available through the centenary, communities can still apply for a share of the funds to repair and conserve their own monuments.