Fabiani unveils memorial for Scots who fell at Flanders

Published on Saturday 25 August 2007 01:13

LINDA Fabiani, Scotland's external affairs and culture minister, will today unveil a memorial in Belgium to honour all Scots involved in the First World War.

The granite Celtic Cross has been erected in the small Flemish village of Zonnebeke close to where thousands of Scottish soldiers found a last resting place 90 years ago at the height of one of the First World War's bloodiest battles.

Villagers have placed the tribute on the ridge where the men of the 51st Highland and 9th and 15th Lowland divisions died storming German strongholds during a four-month offensive at Passchendaele in Flanders.

More than 300,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers and at least 260,000 Germans became casualties in the fighting.

The unveiling is part of a week of events to mark the anniversary.

Last night Ms Fabiani said: "Scotland's soldiers contributed so much to efforts in the First World War and it is only right that we honour their sacrifice."