Community groups, churches and schools come together for celebration of War Memorial centenary
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A community initiative group in Lairg is teaming up with schools, churches and various other village groups to coordinate a centenary celebration for the village's war memorial.
Lairg and District Community Initiatives (LDCI) has been working alongside Deputy Lieutenant Sheila Stewart – and is now teaming up with local churches, Lairg Primary School, Lairg and District Learning Centre and the local branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland to coordinate the celebration.
The event, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lairg War Memorial, will take place on Friday, September 30 2022 with a service commencing at 11am.
Plans include a service to honour the fallen of both World Wars, and for each of the people named on the memorial a commemorative wooden cross will be laid by a descendant (if known), or by primary six and primary seven children from Lairg Primary.
Wreaths will also be laid by the Deputy Lieutenant, community council members, the Royal British Legion, by a veteran and a serving officer representing the battalions. A wreath will also be laid by Angela Sutherland who shall be rededicating the memorial.
The community has already been very involved in preparing for the event, with many local people, (and even tourists and people from much further afield) helping to make hundreds of beautiful hand-knitted and crocheted poppies for a cascade, which will be displayed at the war memorial from late September until Remembrance Day.
Lairg Primary pupils will also paint wooden poppies that will go on display throughout the church hill woods.
Commenting on the celebration, Deputy Lieutenant Sheila Stewart said, “Everyone is very welcome to attend the service. We are particularly keen that descendants of those whose names are listed on the War Memorial, and both retired and current serving service men and women take part by laying a cross. Please contact me by emailing projectofficer@lairginitiative.co.uk if you would like to do so.
"After the service has taken place, refreshments will be served in the Community Centre. Please bring along your photographs, letters, medals or memorabilia relating to either your own on your relatives’ military service (including more recent military campaigns) to share with others as part of a temporary display on the day. Please get in touch to let us know if you would like to participate with the display by sending an email or calling 07961 372427.”
In the run up to the event wooden crosses will also be available to purchase in the local shops in exchange for a donation towards the Royal British Legion Scotland, allowing people to prepare their own messages of remembrance.
Lairg War Memorial Centenary Celebration Timetable
September 30, 2022
10.45am – Gather at the Lairg War Memorial
11.00am – Service commences
Noon – Refreshments at the community centre
