WATCH: Emphasis on peace and reconciliation as Battle of Littleferry memorial ceremony takes place in bright sunshine with skylarks singing
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The Battle of Littleferry memorial ceremony took place in bright sunshine with skylarks singing this afternoon.
Pipers from Sutherland Caledonian Pipe Band, Tain Pipe Band and Sutherland Schools Pipe Band along with cadets from the Wick detachment began proceedings by marching to the site of the memorial stone at Ferry Road, Golspie.
They were followed by members of a reenactment group, dressed in historically accurate costumes that would have been worn in the time of the battle which took place on April 15, 1746.
Golspie Community Council chairman Ian Sutherland welcomed a large crowd of local people, invited guests and visitors who had congregated for the ceremony.
The event had an added poignancy given the current war in Ukraine and the emphasis was on peace and reconciliation.
“This is a very important day for Golspie. When you look around the area, history is everywhere, to forget history is to forget a lot of lessons,” said Mr Sutherland.
He later said: “It is a great village project and commemorates something very important - the second last battle fought on British soil.”
Henrietta Marriott gave a short address written by her husband and Littleferry battle project leader Patrick Marriott.
He was unable to do so himself having been struck down with coronavirus earlier in the week.
Mr Marriott wrote: “Most battlefield memorials are for one side only but this memorial is different, it stands in memory of the fallen from both sides.”
Four wreaths were laid. Sutherland Lord Lieutenant Dr Monica Main laid a wreath on behalf of the Queen; and Donald Rowe, chairman of the Golspie branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, on behalf of the legion.
Ronald Munro Ferguson, a descendant of Lieutenant Hector Munro of the Golspie Company of the Government Militia also laid a wreath as did Margaret Openshaw, descendant of Ensign George Mackenzie, Cromartie’s Regiment, Jacobite Army.
Mr Ferguson and Mrs Openshaw then shook hands in a symbolic gesture.
There was a two-minute silence followed by the Lament played by Malcolm Paton
Pipers then played The Battle of Littleferry, composed by April Sutherland, a pupil at Golspie High School and Pipe Major of the Sutherland Schools Pipe Band.
Here is the full text of Patrick Marriott’s address:
“Most battlefield memorials are for one side only; whether for nation, or for an army, or regiment, or clan or event for an individual, they all have a part to play.
"But this memorial is different. It stands in memory of the fallen from both sides. It sets no one apart for blame or praise. It does not bicker over cause.
"It does not seek to prolong pain or suffering. In bringing old adversaries together on one stone, it places peace above the festering of old wounds.
"For all conflicts divide and none more so than when a conflict is within one’s own people.
"For Littleferry saw clan against clan, kith against kin. Here, cousins and past friends fought against each other. By any standard, Littleferry exemplifies the awfulness of war.
"Yet - we are told “never to let the sun set on a quarrel” - such wise advice. Sad then that the sun has set over 100,000 times since Littleferry was fought.
"So, let this memorial be closure for those who fought here and for all who suffered at that time.A laying down of swords. A setting aside of grievances.
"A coming together in spite of differences. And - above all else (and how timely)….. A placing of peace above war."
