City's fallen war heroes to be recognised in new memorials

Published on Saturday 26 April 2008 12:03

EDINBURGH is set to get two new memorials to commemorate the city's fallen war heroes.

Council chiefs have presented plans to honour the thousands of men and women who died in conflicts over the last two centuries.

A site in West Princes Street Gardens – spread across different plots between the three shelters on the upper level of the gardens – has been identified as a suitable location for recognising individuals who won bravery awards in war.

While land between Greendykes and Edmonstone has been identified for a memorial arboretum, along the lines of the National Arboretum in Staffordshire, which would be for all the city's war dead.

Among the first names on the Princes Street would be Corporal Mark Wright, who was killed by a mine in Afghanistan last year. The 27-year-old was awarded the George Cross after carrying out a rescue mission of his comrades.

It is thought the two memorials could cost up to 100,000 depending on the designs chosen.

Although the council is likely to meet maintenance costs, it is anticipated the initial cost of creating the memorials will be financed by a public appeal.

Cpl Wright's parents, Bobby and Jem, have been pressing for a memorial for Edinburgh war heroes over the last year.

Mr Wright, 60, from Newington, said: "I am over the moon to see this happening. Not just for Mark but for everyone from Edinburgh who has been killed in conflict."

The Princes Street memorial is likely to be based on a number of gardens of remembrance in Australian cities. Among the names expected to feature are the 30 soldiers from around the Edinburgh area who have been awarded The Victoria Cross.

Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart councillor Gordon Buchan, who called for the war memorials in council motions last year, along with Southside and Newington councillor Ian Perry, said: "I think this will help those who want to remember our war dead and gives people every opportunity to reflect on the great sacrifices made by the people of Edinburgh over the years.

"I am happy to see progress on the issue but disappointed to see no mention of the stories behind the names on the memorials being told. I would like to see something on the council website."

In a report to councillors, the council's chief executive Tom Aitchison, said: "After examining all the options, I endorse the conclusion that a memorial setting of an appropriate scale could be created in West Princes Street Gardens.

"This would provide a suitable city centre site, appropriate to its solemn purpose, and has the potential to match the best existing memorials, which combine artistic and aesthetic merit with remembrance and reconciliation."