Local war memorials have lights fitted in time for Armistice Day

Iain Stephen Morrison

Earlier today (11th November 2021) the nation fell silent and remembered the fallen, with ceremonies held across the country to mark Armistice Day.

Here on the islands the local war memorials serve as permanent reminders of the sacrifice of servicemen and women and they will now stand even more prominently, with lights fitted at Griminish War Memorial on Benbecula (pictured) and Bornish War Memorial on South Uist.

Solar powered lights were installed at Clachan War Memorial on North Uist several years ago and now the cairns on Benbecula and South Uist are also illuminated at night thanks to funding received from Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery.

North Uist and Benbecula Locality Partnership supported the war memorial committees to secure and site solar lights which were switched on in time for Armistice Day.

“Seeing the care, dedication and love that goes into keeping the islands war memorials in pristine condition to honour those who left their island homes to protect their nation but were never to return, it was only right to support the committees in enhancing their memorials of remembrance,” said North Uist and Benbecula Locality Partnership development officer Jemma MacVicar.

“Speaking with the committees and hearing their stories of loved ones and the bravery of members of their communities, their motivation behind the time and effort put into maintaining the structures is clear. It was an honour to hear their stories and today we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those left behind.”