Poppy display for each of the fallen
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AN extensive four-year project to remember Portsoy men of the Armed Forces who died in World War I will culminate this week, as the country marks the centenary of the end of the conflict.
In 2014, volunteers from Portsoy's Salmon Bothy began the work in remembrance of the local armed forces to mark the anniversary.
Fascinating details regarding the exploits of many local individuals came to light and were displayed on a series of information panels which formed the basis of an exhibition in the Bothy Museum.
An additional panel was created in 2016, describing the events of the Somme which had taken place 100 years previously.
Much of the data was gathered by volunteer Alison Smith who is a genealogy specialist and assists those investigating family histories at the Bothy. Ms Smith said: "Research was very hard work. However, sources such as the Gordon Highlanders' Museum were extremely helpful and the information we uncovered was amazing."
As the anniversary of the Armistice approaches on Sunday, the final part of the project has been put in place. The Bothy Knitters undertook to create a poppy for each of the fallen and to display these with the men's names in a unique commemorative wall hanging.
Co-ordinated by Bothy Knitter Margo Watson, all the group contributed to creating poppies for the hanging. Using a specialist calligraphic pen, each name was carefully written by volunteer, Jack Elliot.
Mrs Watson said: "We are very pleased to have been part of this special project and hope our work will help visitors to the Bothy remember those brave men who gave their lives in a terrible war."
As well as undertaking projects such as this, the group knits and raises money for charities. After its successful August event, WOOL@PORTSOY, it has donated to more than 20 local and national groups.
Knitters' chairwoman Gael Thomson said: "All funds we raise are distributed to local and national charities.
"We've had some lovely letters of thanks from people doing wonderful work locally and across the country. We're so grateful to have had contributions of wool from generous members of the public.
"We are delighted to have been involved in the creation of this very special wall hanging."
The information panels, together with the commemorative wall hanging will go on display at a special exhibition at the Salmon Bothy. This will open for public viewing from 11.30am-4pm on Sunday.
