The first stage of restoration on Turriff’s war memorials has been completed.
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The World War Two memorial, situated adjacent to the sandstone archway that makes up the town’s memorial to those lost in the Great War of 1914-18, has welcomed a visit from contractors to bring it back to its original splendour.
Work will also be carried out on the archway, however that has been postponed due to fears that the work would not be completed in time for the town’s annual Remembrance Sunday parade and the poignant wreath laying which takes place at the memorial.
Efforts to clean and restore the archway will instead begin following Remembrance.
The project is being led by the Friends Of Turriff Cemetery with support from Turriff Legion, and unveiling the restored plaque on social media the volunteer group explained: “I hope you will agree that it is looking so much better.
“The main archway and adjoining walls will be started following the Remembrance parade, as the contractors were worried that if it wasn’t completed by then there would be scaffolding still up, so we decided to play safe and wait.
“We are all really looking forward to seeing our wonderful memorials to our war dead restored to a much better standard, befitting of the honour they deserve.”
While fundraising for the project is still ongoing, the Friends have been successful in securing a 50 per cent grant (£4100) from War Memorials Trust and a £500 cheque donation from Legion Scotland Turriff branch in addition to raising £900 with a coffee morning which a joint effort between the Friends and Legion groups.
The Friends Of Turriff Cemetery have also been busy developing the Memorial Garden, formerly the Millennium Garden, and working to maintain the amenity of the main cemetery area through the autumn months.
Anybody interested in getting involved with the volunteer group can contact them through their Facebook page or email friendsofturriffcemetery@gmail.com.
