Remembrance roundup - ‘Sadness’ after Insch Hospital crowds kept outside - but fresh generosity from Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky boosts Huntly event
A community which came together to mark the war dead at a dormant village hospital were disappointed after they “had to stand outside in the rain”.
Alison Grant, vice-chairwoman of Friends of Insch Hospital, said that the crowd which included veterans was told they could not enter the hospital to mark their respects at the war memorial inside.
The Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership only gave permissions for wreath-layers to go in, she added, with everybody else forced to stay outside.
“Insch War Memorial Hospital was built in 1922 by public subscription to create a memorial for local people who gave their lives in the First World War,” Ms Grant said.
“Many of those who attended the service at the hospital expressed their sadness at having to stand outside this building that had previously always been a welcoming environment providing excellent care.
“There was also a real sense of frustration that a hospital built by the community, which remains in excellent condition, continues to lie dormant.
“There is a lot of strength of feeling there, that is the reality.”
Friends of Insch Hospital also prepared the gardens of Insch Hospital with poignant displays of soldiers and poppies.
This year’s Remembrance event also included a service at Insch Parish Church, led by new Minister Rev Ian Manson.
In Huntly, however, the town’s Remembrance event benefitted from the generosity of The Bank Restaurant and The Club Room.
The popular hospitality sites welcomed veterans and the Huntly and District Pipe Band after the parade.
Manager Ellis Allan, from company Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, said the firm was "honoured" to serve Huntly’s veterans.
She said: "Our company is delighted to have this opportunity to be involved in such an important, historical event and to take care of our veterans as well as the Huntly Pipe Band who give such events their tremendous support.
“It really is such an honour - everyone in the town will have precious memories of family members and friends whose lives were changed forever during war years, both in distant and recent times.
“The wonderful supportive crowd, as well as the many young marchers from Huntly's many Youth groups, bear witness to the local pride in the town's military and service history.”
