Lanarkshire Caterpillar Memorial To Stand Proud Once More

Nearly a year after it was totally destroyed by vandals, a memorial to one of Scotland’s most fiercely fought trades union campaigns is to be re-dedicated in a special ceremony.

Former Caterpillar workers will gather at the site of the memorial at 2pm on Friday 6th March 2015, near the Windmill Public House at the junction of Thorniewood Road and Millgate, Tannochside.

The original memorial to the 103 day occupation, triggered by the company’s shock announcement of the plant’s closure in 1987, was destroyed 11 weeks after it’s unveiling last March.

Today North Lanarkshire Council finance convener and former Caterpillar shop steward Councillor Bob Burrows said: “Everyone involved was absolutely gutted at the original memorial’s destruction.

“Now, thanks to the unstinting support from local business, trades unions and residents we have been able to rebuild the memorial.

“Even in the short time the structure was in place it became a local landmark.”

Following the re-dedication, former Caterpillar workers, trade unions and friends, will be holding a reunion from 2pm until 5pm within the Senior Citizen Centre on Thorniewood Road which is adjacent to the Memorial.

Cllr Burrows has extended an invitation to all ex-Caterpillar workers, trades union members and the local community to attend on the day and support the re-dedication.