Local war memorials awarded with range of accolades
Eight sites across Dumfries & Galloway have received recognition
Last updated 20th Sep 2023
The best kept war memorials across Dumfries & Galloway are being recognised with a range of accolades.
Eight sites all the way from Sanquhar to Gretna have been acknowledged by the Royal British Legion Scotland.
The awards recognise the hard work of locals in maintaining their memorials, as well as showing support for the British Armed Forces and their Veterans.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE has been on hand to present certificates to those responsible for memorial upkeep.
Mr Dryburgh is both the Council Armed Forces Champion, and secretary for the Royal British Legion Scotland.
He says it’s crucial we maintain our memorials:
“Having a place where people can come and reflect on their family history, having a place where people can come especially during remembrance periods is so important.
“The RBLS Best Kept War Memorial competition provides an opportunity for different age groups and organisations to come together to enhance and maintain what is a very important asset in towns and villages across the Glasgow, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway Area.
“All those that took part in the competition this year have clearly demonstrated what can be achieved by doing so.”
Local communities are welcoming the accolades
The full list of local winners in the Royal British Legion Scotland awards for Glasgow, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway is as follows:
• Lochmaben War Memorial – awarded highly commended in National All category
• Kirkpatrick Fleming Parish War Memorial – winner of National All category & 2023 ‘Champion of Champions’
• Gretna Parish War Memorial – awarded highly commended in National All category
• Dalbeattie War Memorial – winner of Small Community with Gardens category
• Maxwellton War Memorial - awarded commended in the Large Community with Gardens category
• Closeburn War Memorial - awarded highly commended in National All category
• Sanquhar War Memorial - awarded highly commended in National All category
• Kirkconnel War Memorial - awarded commended in National All category
Looking ahead to next year, Councillor Dryburgh says he is keen to see even more local entries put forward.