Men of Cockburnspath Parish War Memorial honoured

The stone cross on a plinth, located at the entrance to the village, commemorates the men of Cockburnspath Parish and the Dunglass Estate who fell in the First and Second World Wars.

It is maintained by the Scottish Borders Council, with help from the Eyemouth branch of Legion Scotland and the local community.

Robert Aldridge, the Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and David Paton, national vice chairman of Legion Scotland, presented the award for Best Satellite Memorial without Gardens at New Haig House in Edinburgh on Thursday September 8.

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Keith Fisackerly, secretary of the Eyemouth branch of Legion Scotland, said: “Winning the award is amazing and very well deserved for both the local council and people of Cockburnspath.

“We need to remember our past and all those that gave us the freedom we have today. We have to remember that the memorials are not just commemorating the two world wars, but are also for all those that have died in conflict around the world since.”

Lord Provost Aldridge said: “War memorials provide an important place for reflection and the continued interest in the ‘Best Kept War Memorial in Scotland’ competition underlines the importance of remembering those of our fellow citizens, alongside those from elsewhere, who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country.

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“It is truly impressive that, against the backdrop of the long period of Covid mitigations, the competition this year was as passionate and of as high standard as always. As the Capitals Veteran Champion and on behalf of the citizens of Edinburgh I would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter during these difficult times and to those who have organised the competition.”

The competition was established in 1982 following concerns that many Scottish war memorials had fallen into a poor state.