CREICH & KINCARDINE

David Hannah from the Creich & Kincardine branch has publicly thanked an unknown donor who supported the installation of new benches at Ardgay War Memorial.

 “Very sincere thanks to our anonymous sponsor for the bright, shiny and very respectful new benches at the war memorial,” David said. “And an extra special thanks to Graeme MacKinnon for coordinating the order, delivery and installation. I would never have managed it without his expert help and guidance.

 “Thanks too to The highland council officers for arranging to have the war memorial re-pointed and cleaned, and for replacing the chains that hold the Remembrance wreaths. I am now looking forward to this year's Best Kept War Memorial Competition. Well done Ardgay community for helping to keep the war memorial area clean and tidy.”

 

KILMARNOCK

On Saturday 5 June 2021, Kilmarnock branch joined Fenwick Community Council to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the unveiling of their war memorial. Kilmarnock branch formed a socially-distanced guard of honour.

 The local Church of Scotland minister Rev Kim Watt gave a sermon on the history of the war memorial and invited parties to lay a wreath in memory of the fallen. The minister read out the names and ages of those mentioned on the memorial, who are forever remembered.

 The Last Post echoed around the quiet village as all present bowed their heads. The stirring ‘Flowers of the Forest’ played by the piper was equally haunting, given that the village had fallen silent.

 Kilmarnock branch chair Stewart Finlay said: “This will be the first of many war memorials that will be celebrating their 100th anniversary. Thanks goes to Anita Cox of the community council for our invite and Rev Kim Watt of Fenwick Parish Church for her wonderful sermon.”

 

PORTOBELLO

Portobello branch were honoured and delighted to be part of presenting Portobello High School with the Lt Col Gary Tait MBE Memorial Bench on 23 June 2021.

 Pupils and teachers created and delivered a beautiful and fitting service which featured readings, a poem, a song from the Commonwealth and a personal note from Cameron Tait, on behalf of the family. Gary, his brother Harvey, and Cameron all went to Portobello High School a few years ago.  

 Cameron said: “I would like to thank ASA Scotland and the Portobello branch of Legion Scotland for keeping Gary’s memory alive.” 

Gary’s mother Joan Tait unveiled the beautiful memorial bench in memory of her son. Joan said: “I am delighted young people at Gary’s old school will learn about my son and his military career. He was proud to serve Queen and country.” 

 Wife Valerie Tait said: “My husband Gary would be so humble today, he truly believed in the important work of ASA Scotland and Legion Scotland, passing on our Armed Forces heritage to every generation.” 

ASA Scotland chairman John Jenkins laid a wreath and thanked the Portobello High School teachers and pupils and Legion Scotland members for their support.  Lt Col Gary Tait MBE was a local lad from Portobello. He was a first class soldier with a distinguished military career and it was very fitting for the memorial bench to be presented to Portobello High School.

Portobello branch thanks Tommy Davidson from ASA Scotland, Portobello High School pupils and staff, Gary's mother Joan, his wife Valerie and other family members.