Princess Royal unveils memorial for soldiers killed on duty in Afghanistan

A MEMORIAL dedicated to war heroes killed while serving in Afghanistan has been unveiled by the Princess Royal.

She joined soldiers from The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 Scots), at Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh yesterday, where she laid a wreath during a dedication ceremony.

The first three names to appear on the memorial – a Celtic cross design carved out of sandstone – are Corporal Johnathan Moore, Lance Corporal Joseph Pool and Private Sean McDonald, all of whom died while on operations with 1 Scots in Afghanistan.

Major Norrie McKinnon, the battalion’s spokesman, said: “It has been very kindly donated by Stancliffe Stone Ltd and the Commanding Officer of 1 Scots would like to publicly thank them for their generosity.

“The memorial can be moved with the battalion wherever it is based and will serve as a lasting memory to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

The princess, the battalion’s Royal Colonel, met soldiers and family members before looking on as the memorial was dedicated.