A group of Brownies have scattered pebbles around a Deeside town to mark 100 years since the end of World War I.
The 2nd Banchory Brownies have spent the past few weeks painting 51 “Poppy pebbles” which carry the name of someone from the town who lost their life in the conflict.
Now the group is calling on the public to keep a look out for them, and if they spot one return it to the town’s Garden of Remembrance, at MacIntosh and Steven Funeral Services on High Street.
As part of their work designing the pebbles, the youngsters researched the role Girl Guides played in the war – including carrying important messages, parcelling up clothes to be sent to the front and learning first aid to help with injuries.
Brownie Guider Tracey Lethaby said: “This activity has really given the Brownies an understanding of how people pull together and also allowed them time to think about others in our community.
“I think the Brownies were most shocked when we were talking about the ages of the fallen heroes, I think they had thought of them as being older people but realising that a lot were only 17 definitely surprised them.”
Nine-year-old Catriona Leaf said: “I think it is shocking and sad to know how many men died. I’m glad my daddy doesn’t have to go. I really liked looking at all of the different poppy designs, and then designing my own.”
Lottie Logue, 10, added: “I think it is important to remember the brave soldiers that gave up their lives so that we could live in peace and safety. The pebbles are a great way to show that we are thinking about them and to help the rest of the community join in remembering our local heroes from World War 1.”
One of the pebbles has already been found at the local Tesco and returned to the garden.
The Brownies and Guides will take part in the Remembrance Day parade in the town next month.
