Planning under way for D-Day commemorations in Dornoch
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Plans are being drawn up for Dornoch to take part in the national commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on Thursday, June 6.
East Sutherland Rescue Association, based at the Cadogan Lifeboat Station on Dornoch beach, is organising the local event but would welcome input from local residents and organisations.
ESRA officials are also keen for other communities to join them in marking the event.
ESRA chairman Neil Dalton said a public meeting had been held last month to discuss arrangements when those present were invited to put forward ideas or make suggestions.
The D-Day invasion in World War II was the largest sea, air and land operation in history. The Allies used more than 5000 ships and landing craft to land more than 150,000 troops on five beaches in Normandy on June 6, 1944.
Codenamed Operation Overlord, the landings marked the beginningof a long and costly campaign in north-west Europe, that ultimately convinced the German high command that defeat was inevitable.
The national commemorations are called “Lamp Light of Peace”, with beacons being lit across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man on June 6 at 9.15pm.
Groups unable to light a beacon are being invited to light a lamp.
The Dornoch commemoration will begin on the day in question with the ringing of the cathedral bells at 5.30pm for five minutes.
A barbecue with music will be held at the Cadogan Lifeboat Station, where there will also be a photographic exhibition of the area during the war years.
A beacon will be lit in the Dornoch Beach car park at 9.15pm and the International Tribute will be read.
Mr Dalton said: “We would like to coordinate the lighting of beacons or bonfires at other appropriate locations around the Dornoch Firth. These include Portmahomack, Inver, Tain and Embo, Golspie and Brora on the north side of the firth.
“Local people will no doubt be aware of the prominent role this area played in the training for the Normandy assault and these sites seem appropriate.
“I am hoping to get as many people and organisations involved as possible.”
