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An unique WW1 commemoration in memory of servicemen from one of the remotest parts of the country who died far away from home has captivated an island community.

 

Around a quarter of 900 people from north of Lewis who served in the war never returned.  

 

Some 216 artificial poppies were placed at homes of the dead throughout the north of Lewis  - one to mark each life lost in the war.

 

Organised by Ness Historical Society, the poppy trail paid silent homage to their sacrifice.

 

At the weekend, the poppies were gathered in for special remembrance services at Borve and Cross and were laid at district war memorials.

 

Some villages had 20 to 30 poppies, showing the significant loss of life the Hebrides suffered in war. The bright red-coloured symbols stood out as people drive along the road, providing a visible, very powerful illustration of the huge impact of the war in such a small rural community.

 

At one croft in the village of Habost , four poppies on a fence signified where four men from the Campbell family left for war, never to return.  Directly across on the other side of the road, were two pairs at neighbouring houses, highlighting the enormous loss in such a small village.

 

Many of the men, some just teenagers, died in the trenches, others were torpedoed at sea, and some perished on the Admiralty yacht HMY Iolaire which crashed on rocks in a gale at the approaches to Stornoway harbour in the early hours of New Year’s Day 1919.

 

A book is now being written about the north Lewis contribution to the Great War.  

 

Annie Macsween of Ness Historical Society, says the poppy trail brought WW1 into the forefront of peoples’ thoughts.

 

She said it has especially provoked questions from youth who are curious to find out more about the people represented.

 

Mrs Macsween said the feedback has been amazing and the project has been successful in commemorating the sad loss of life.

 

Commemorative poppies mark WW1 loss of life           10/11/14