Businessmen secure regimental memorial

Work will be placed permanently in arboretum

Scottish servicemen are being honoured with a new monunment at the National Memorial Arboretum thanks to the efforts of Stirling men.

A Royal Regiment of Scotland commemorative stone has been created and constructed by businessemen Andy Ward of Quality Worktops in Springkerse and Bill McDonald of Forget Thee Not Memorials in St Ninians.

Bill’s 16-year-old son Josh also helped to design the memorial and carry out some of the work.

A ceremony was held in Stirling to unveil the stone which will eventually be sited in the Arboretum to complement and clarify the significance trees already planted there in commemoration.

It is enscribed with the words: “This stone of Scottish granite, together with the stand of Scots pines behind it, commemorates all those who have served since 1945, and especially those killed or who have died in operational theatres, in The Royal Regiment of Scotland and its Antecedent Regiments - The Royal Scots, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers, The Black Watch, The Highlanders, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 52nd Lowland Regiment and 51st Highland Regiment, Queen’s Own Highlanders, The Gordon Highlanders, The Cameronians, Seaforth Highlanders, The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, The Royal Scots Fusiliers and The Highland Light Infantry.”

Situated in Staffordshire on the edge of the National Forest, the Arboretum is the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance. The maturing woodland landscape is home to over 330 memorials which honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice, and fosters pride in the nation.

The idea for the Arboretum was conceived by David Childs in 1988. He believed that it would form a living tribute to service men and women for future generations to reflect upon and enjoy. The Arboretum was officially opened in 2001. It is a registered charity and is part of The Royal British Legion family of charities.