VE DAY 80: Extracts read from schoolgirl’s wartime diary at Dornoch War Memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony
Extracts from a schoolgirl’s wartime diary were read out at the VE Day 80 service and wreath-laying ceremony held at Dornoch War Memorial.
Gillian Virtue read from the diary of her aunt, Eleanor Gray, who was at one time the organist at Dornoch Cathedral.
Ms Virtue had left her home in Lanarkshire at 4am to be in time for the ceremony and to pay her respects and honour the memory of her father and grandfather, whose medals she displayed on the memorial.
The diary extract brought to life everyday details of the time from having a cold to the excited anticipation of waiting to hear Churchhill’s radio announcement of the end of hostility in Europe.
But of greater importance to the diarist was getting time of school to celebrate! Like pupils 80 years later she was also studying for exams.
Rev Carol-Anne Porter, minister of Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland, led the service with Rev Simon Scott, priest-in-charge of St Finnbarr’s Episcopal Church.
Vice Lord-Lieutenant Kim Tulloch laid a wreath on behalf of the Sutherland Lieutenancy team.
She was joined by Dornoch Academy pupils Maisie Brennan and Charlie Millward, who laid a wreath on behalf of the school.
Wreaths were also laid by Neil Dalton, honorary president of East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA), and Antony Hope, who laid the wreath on behalf of Dornoch Veterans Group.
A further wreath was laid by Gary Bethune, Captain of Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Standard bearers were Chris Minty (ESRA) and Fergus MacLeod. The piper was Danny Parkin.
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