New funding to restore community war memorials 14/1/13
Scotland’s war memorials will be cleaned and restored in readiness for the anniversary
of the First World War through a new fund being made available to communities across
the country.
The additional £1 million for the Centenary Memorials Restoration Fund - announced
by First Minister Alex Salmond today - will pay for the upgrade and maintenance of
memorials in villages, towns and cities in Scotland that pay tribute to those who
gave their lives during both world wars and other conflicts.
First Minister Alex Salmond said: “The events in 2014 to mark the anniversary of
the outbreak of the Great War will not be a celebration in Scotland, but a commemoration
of the servicemen and women who paid the ultimate price in defence of our country.
”Scotland’s war memorials – from the magnificent to the more modest – pay tribute
to those fallen and will be an important part of the commemorations in communities
the length and breadth of Scotland during 2014.
“Each memorial in Scotland reminds us of the sacrifice made by those who died during
the Great War, the Second World War and other conflicts. They remind us of the futility
of war and the necessity that we never forget the sacrifice made by those who fell
in conflict.”
The funding will be available over the course of the four year centenary commemorations
from 2014-18 to allow communities to choose the best time to restore their war memorials,
from the start of commemorations in August 2014 until Armistice Day 2018.