Memorial plaque saved

The roll of honour lists the members of Carrongrove Paper Mill who fought in the First World War.

After being hidden away since the works closed in 2005, the memorial plaque has now been secured for local residents. Thanks to the efforts of Denny and Dunipace Heritage Society, along with the support of Councillor Paul Garner, the developers of Carrongrove House have agreed to gift it to the community.

The plaque was commissioned in 1920 by the mill owners to honour their employees who lost their lives in the war, along with all those returned home.

Councillor Garner said: “The procedures to obtain and preserve this memorial have been quite lengthy, involving negotiations with the developers, Historic Scotland and Falkirk Council. But I’m sure when people see this plaque they will agree it’s been worthwhile.

“Most people from the area knew someone who worked in the mills and the fact this plaque has the names of local folk who not only gave their lives but also those who returned, makes it quite unique.

Falkirk Community Trust is now looking at the possibility of placing it in the new library’s community room.

An extract from The Falkirk Herald of July 12, 1920 reveals that at the outbreak of war there were 225 male employees in the Carrongrove company with 104 enlisting, and of those 22 were killed.