TOWN’S TRIBUTE TO WAR HEROES
Memorial unveiled in Armadale
A poignant memorial to the brave soldiers from Armadale and surrounding districts who have been killed in conflict has been unveiled.
The new War Memorial in Armadale at Watson Park will pay tribute to fallen heroes and now bears the names of those previously missing from the former memorial.
Armadale and District War Memorial Committee have worked tirelessly over the past five years to work towards creating a new memorial and have been gathering the names of heroes to add to the statue.
They raised in excess of £100,000 to create the memorial, along with funding from West Lothian Council.
An opening and dedication ceremony was held on October 27 and was carried out by Her Majesty’s Depute Lord Lieutenant Caroline MacLachlan and Major-General Michael Lawrence Riddell-Webster CBE, DSO.
A service was given By Rev Julia Wiley and also present was artist Alan Beattie Herriot DA ARBS, architect Dakers Fleming, Bennie Contracts Armadale, Powderhall bronzing, JB Engineering and piper Ross Macwilliam.
Also present among the 300-strong crowd was relatives of many of the fallen heroes whose names are on the memorial, along with war veterans. Camelon Pipe Band also played for those attending.
And following the reading of the Roll of Honour doves were released into the air by senior pupils of Armadale Academy.
The committee of just eight members said they are delighted t to be able to finally unveil the memorial.
Hugh Cockburn said: “We were delighted with how the day went, unveiling it on the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day had been our target and the culmination if several years of hard work and it was an excellent turn-out.
“We added over 100 names to the new memorial and r relatives of those people attended, some from England.
“Two benches were also donated from local schools.”