Highland Council has graciously stepped in to ensure a tradition spanning more than 30 years in remembering north war heroes is to continue.
Last week the Press and Journal highlighted that due to a shortage of volunteers the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) Inverness branch would be unable to lay memorial poppy crosses at the graves of fallen heroes at two Inverness cemeteries.
However, now thanks to the generous offers from individuals and employees from the local authority, the tradition is set to continue, with graves of known veterans to be covered at both Tomnahurich and Kilvean cemeteries.
Joe Davidson, Inverness branch chairman at RBLS, said: “I am extremely grateful to the Highland Council and their staff which ensures the laying of crosses will be continued.
“We did have volunteers get in touch saying they could help but unfortunately we couldn’t accommodate for this in the run in of remembrance week due to logistics. However, we would like to thank these people for getting in touch and offering their support.
“It’s a perfect arrangement and it’s lovely. Hopefully this will continue for years to come.”
A council spokeswoman said: “To continue their tradition of laying poppy crosses at war graves in Inverness, council staff at Torvean and Kilvean Cemeteries in Inverness have volunteered as a mark of respect to assist where possible, this year, to place memorials at relevant graves as requested and indicated by the RBLS.”
Members of the RBLS Inverness branch have tirelessly been laying hundreds of crosses in the run in to Armistice Day, with RAF Air Cadets from Inverness 161 – 1st Highland Squadron – also pledging to lay remembrance crosses on Remembrance Sunday itself.
