Funding to repair war memorials

The grant is part of an initiative to restore memorials across the country with six others across Scotland receiving similar cash.

The Duke of Wellington statue and Boer War memorial, both in Newmarket Street, will each receive £750 towards improvements.

The grants have been awarded via the Centenary Restoration Fund which is funded by the Scottish Government and Historic Environment Scotland and administered by the War Memorials Trust.

Although the money isn’t exclusively for the repair of First World War memorials, communities are being encouraged during the commemoration of the centenary to ensure their local war memorials are a fitting tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Announcing the funding for the Duke of Wellington statue, Historic Environment Scotland said: “It is recognised that the memorial is in poor condition and in need of repair and conservation works. The memorial has a number of complex issues which need to be better understood prior to undertaking work.

“The grant funding will support a conservation-accredited architect to undertake a detailed conservation report on the memorial. The professional advice will then be used to decide on the most appropriate works to undertake ensuring the memorial is conserved for future generations.”

Two years ago, the statue was vandalised when the duke’s head was knocked off.

But thanks to the generosity of funeral directors and memorial masons Thomas Cuthell & Sons, who paid for repairs, the ‘Iron Duke’ was restored.

The Boer War memorial is also in poor condition and in need of specialist conservation works.

The grant funding will support a conservation-accredited architect to undertake a detailed conservation report on the memorial. The professional advice will then be used to decide on the most appropriate works to undertake ensuring the memorial is conserved for future generations.