A 97-year-old war memorial in the Highlands is to be restored to its former glory following a £28,000 funding boost.
Dores and Essich Community Council have received a grant of £28,130 from the Centenary Memorials Restoration Fund – supported by Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government – to restore the Dores War Memorial to its original state.
The historic arch, at the entrance to the parish church, was originally built in 1921 by Mary Seton Watts, whose family home was at Aldourie, just five miles north of Dores.
The face of the arch was originally covered in terracotta panels with Celtic and Art Noveau theme on it – based on verses of the Old Testament Book of Isiaiah. However, due to water penetration and frost, the remaining panels on the structure have broken off.
Community council treasurer Iain Cameron said the funding was imperitive in terms of preserving the heritage of Dores. He said: “It was vital. Funding the project would have been completely out of our reach without this grant. The whole project hinged on this.
“It is not only a war memorial, but also a work of art designed by someone from the community, and manufactured within the community, it is an important part of the heritage of Dores. We live in uniquely comfortable times, and we need to remember just how appallingly uncomfortable things can get if bad decisions are taken.”
Reproductions of the panels are being made by Hathern Terra Cotta – a division of Michelmersh Brick UK.
Mr Cameron added: “The names of my grandfather and great-grandfather are on the plaques. Also, my great-grandfather’s sister was Mary Seton Watts, who designed the arch, and who helped teach the potters in Dores that made the original terra cotta panels.
“This arch is unique, and even if it were not a War Memorial I would still feel that it was important in the history of the community and therefore worthy of preservation.”
Frances Moreton, director of the War Memorials Trust said: “ War Memorials are a tangible connection to our shared past creating a link between the fallen and today. It is vital we ensure that our war memorials are in the best possible condition for their age and the charity is delighted to support this project.”
