Residents to have say on how ex-POW’s legacy will be spent

Residents in Comrie will have their say in how a legacy donated by a former SS soldier will be spent.

Heinrich Steinmeyer, a former prisoner of war (POW) who was held at Cultybraggan, repaid the kindness shown to him by Strathearn villagers by leaving nearly £400,000 for the benefit of local elderly people.

The 19-year-old German Waffen SS soldier, who was captured in France, was eventually held at the POW camp at Cultybraggan where he was surprised by the reaction of locals.

And now it’s been decided that questionnaires will be sent to every resident in Comrie to gauge how the legacy should be spent.

At a recent meeting of the Steinmeyer Legacy Interim Group, its members discussed distributing a letter and survey concerning the bequest of the £400,000.

It was agreed that the survey will be issued in the week beginning March 6, with a public meeting taking place on March 14 to look at possible options.

The deadline for return of the survey will be March 28.

Murray Lauchlan, the Steinmeyer Legacy Interim Group chairman, said: “I must make it clear the terms of the legacy are that the funds be used only for the elderly.

“Every single person is entitled and encouraged to return the form with ideas for distribution of the legacy funds.

“Group submissions can take place perhaps by an organisation or association related to or run by elderly residents.

“The idea might only cost a few pounds, or many pounds – it is the quality, viability and relevance of the submission that will matter most.”

Mr Lauchlan stressed the aim of the group is to get the organisation “off the ground and running”.

“Total inclusiveness as well as transparency has been our guide, therefore plenty of time and opportunity will be given to ensure every voice is heard,” he added.

“A list will soon be published of all collection points to which surveys can be returned and extra forms can be collected.”