War Memorials are an important part of the fabric of communities across Scotland – nearly every village, town, or city has a memorial. Our War Memorials remain a highly visible and poignant means of remembering the sacrifices made by so many in defence of our country from the First World War, as well as the many other conflicts since then.
The annual Legion Scotland Best Kept War Memorial Competition recognises the great work that is carried out to maintain the nation’s war memorials. It also provides an opportunity to showcase our region’s support for our Armed Forces and Veteran and shows enormous respect in memory of all those brave men and women whose names are listed on them.
Several War Memorials from our region received awards this year, and this years’ ‘Champion of Champions’ was awarded to Kirkpatrick Fleming Parish War Memorial.
In his capacity as the RBLS Area Secretary for Glasgow, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, Archie Dryburgh MBE will present certificates to local volunteers as follows. Ward Elected Members have been notified and members of the public are also welcome to attend.
Monday, 18 September 2023
Time Location Details
1.30pm Lochmaben War Memorial Lochmaben War Memorial was awarded Highly Commended in the National All Category (Glasgow. Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway) RBLS Best Kept War Memorial Competition 2023.
2.15pm Kirkpatrick Fleming Parish (Obelisk) War Memorial Kirkpatrick Fleming Parish (Obelisk) War Memorial was announced as the Winner of the National All Category (Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway Area) of the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) Best Kept War Memorial Competition 2023. Furthermore, this years’ Champion of Champions was drawn from the winners of each of the categories with the overall winner also being Kirkpatrick Fleming Parish (Obelisk) War Memorial.
2.45pm Gretna Parish War Memorial Gretna Parish War Memorial was awarded Very Highly Commended in the National All Category (Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway Area) of the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) Best Kept War Memorial Competition 2023.
Wednesday, 20 September 2023
11.30am Dalbeattie War Memorial Dalbeattie War Memorial was the Winner of the Small Community with Gardens Category (Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway Area) of the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) Best Kept War Memorial Competition 2023.
12.00pm Maxwelltown War Memorial Dumfries and Maxwelltown War Memorial was awarded Commended in the Large Community with Gardens Category (Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway Area) of the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) Best Kept War Memorial Competition 2023.
1.00pm Closeburn War Memorial Closeburn War Memorial was Highly Commended in the National All Category (Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway Area) of the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) Best Kept War Memorial Competition 2023.
1.45pm Sanquhar War Memorial Sanquhar War Memorial was Highly Commended in the National All Category (Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway Area) of the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) Best Kept War Memorial Competition 2023.
2.15pm Kirkconnel War Memorial Kirkconnel War Memorial was awarded Commended in the National All Category (Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway Area) of the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) Best Kept War Memorial Competition 2023.
Councillor Malcolm Johnstone, Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “The annual RBLS Best Kept War Memorial competition is a very prominent way to highlight the significance of our nation’s Armed Forces. They remain a highly visible reminder of the sacrifices that were made by so many brave men and women from our region to protect us and our nation. The presentation of these awards provides an opportunity for our region to show our continuing support for our Veterans and Armed Forces personnel.”
Councillor Gail Macgregor, Depute Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “War Memorials are a significant part of the fabric of communities across our region. The annual RBLS Best Kept War Memorial competition recognises the great pride and work that is carried out by so many communities to maintain these places of Remembrance.
Congratulations to all those that took part in this years’ competition, and a very special well done to Kirkpatrick Fleming for scooping this years’ Champion of Champions’ award. Our volunteers do so much across our region, we are indebted to them for all their hard work.”
Archie Dryburgh, MBE commented: “The RBLS Best Kept War Memorial competition provides an opportunity for different age groups and organisations to come together to enhance and maintain what is a very important asset in towns and villages across the Glasgow, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway Area.
“All those that took part in the competition this year have clearly demonstrated what can be achieved by doing so. We are looking forward to more nominations from communities across the Area in next year’s competition. Dumfries and Galloway always have some excellent War Memorials in the annual competition, which is a true reflection of the significance of these sites to our region.”
