Four sites pitched for war tribute

Published on Friday 9 May 2008 10:27

FOUR different city locations are being considered as the new home of the Hearts war memorial when it is moved for the trams.

But council officials today revealed that the historic landmark may have to go into storage until a final location is available.

By next year, the 86-year-old monument to Edinburgh's footballers killed in the First World War will have to be relocated from Haymarket junction to accommodate the tram line.

A new position in front of a revamped Haymarket Station is still considered the most likely option.

A separate proposal to move the memorial to Hearts' Tynecastle Stadium was suggested earlier this year, and it could also be placed close to a planned 200 million development at the former Morrison Street goods yard.

But council chiefs today revealed that another location – Coates Crescent, off Shandwick Place – is now being considered.

The memorial, which would sit on plinth space where previous fountains and statues are no longer in place, once enjoyed the setting of surrounding gardens.

The council's director of city development, Dave Anderson, said: "A decision is needed on its optimum placement for the future, where it can be seen and celebrated.

"It is recommended that the statue is only moved once, and therefore the options available may require for temporary storage of the memorial."

The Heart of Midlothian War Memorial was built by the Gorgie club in 1922 to remember the footballers from both city clubs who signed up for Edinburgh's two military units – the 15th and 16th Royal Scots – which fought in the Battle of the Somme.

Hearts were the first team to enlist for duty in the Great War when their whole side signed up.

They were followed by other Scottish teams, including Hibs, Raith Rovers, Falkirk and Celtic.

The McCrae's Battalion Trust has said the monument should remain a Haymarket landmark.

Plans for a revamp of the 164-year-old railway station include space in front for the monument, but it is understood concerns remain over the ability to accommodate remembrance services without disrupting the trams.