A commemorative stone to honour 100 years of the Stonehaven War Memorial was recently unveiled at the Black Hill, Stonehaven.
The Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire Alastair Macphie officially unveiled the stone and was joined by members of the Stonehaven Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) and a team of local volunteers who had organised the 100 year rededication ceremony on May 20, 2023.
Over 100 bandsmen including 72 pipers led a parade through Stonehaven last year to reflect and honour the 1923 ceremony when the monument was formally dedicated and unveiled by The Right Honourable Viscountess Cowdray of Dunecht and Dunnottar Castle. Poignantly, Viscountess Cowdray’s great grandson, The Hon Charles Pearson unveiled a commemorative plaque during the 2023 ceremony. This plaque, inscribed with the date of the 100 year anniversary is now incorporated onto the stone that sits impressively on the imposing Black Hill that overlooks the town of Stonehaven.
The Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire said: “The placing of the commemorative stone and plaque will show future generations that the people of Stonehaven continue to honour and remember the events of over 100 years ago. People from the local community contributed to the 2023 ceremony including more recently those who installed this magnificent stone, up here on the Black Hill. I would like to thank everyone for their participation. I hope that the stone and War Memorial will, in the future, be a poignant landmark on the Mearns Coastal Heritage Trail and be a visual legacy to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”
Following the unveiling, local piper Iain McFadden (aka Skirlie) played a moving rendition of The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain on his pipes which once belonged to Stonehaven Pipe Band’s first Pipe Major and are more than 100 years old.
Engraved onto the plaque is a QR code for visitors to scan where they will discover more about the fascinating history of the iconic war memorial. Information about the battles and the 211 names of service personnel inscribed on the wall panels are contained within the QR code as well as a recording of The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain performed by Stonehaven born piper Brian Elrick.
Shona McCann, Acting Chair of the Stonehaven Royal British Legion Scotland added: “I am overwhelmed by the efforts of so many individuals and local businesses. All have played their part in this milestone event and by doing so have added to Stonehaven’s rich history and heritage. On behalf of Stonehaven RBLS, I would like to thank everyone who generously volunteered their time, expertise and resources.”