Keith VC heroes' tribute

TWO Keith Victoria Cross winners have been honoured.

Commemorative stones have been unveiled at the town’s war memorial.

Allan Wright, convener of Moray Council, said there were few, if any, towns the size of Keith that can claim to be the birthplace of two VC winners.

"We are gathered here to honour John Ripley, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in World War I, and George Sellar, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1879 during the Second Anglo-Afghan War."

The stone honouring John Ripley was one of nearly 630 commissioned by the UK Government in honour of service personnel awarded the VC during the 1914–18 war.

Keith and District Heritage Group commissioned a similar stone to honour George Sellar.

Stathisla Pipe band led a parade of veterans, cubs, scouts, brownies, guides, British Legion representatives and local people down Union Street and Land Street to the war memorial.

For a full report from the event and pictures - see the Banffshire Herald on Friday.

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