12 memorials to benefit from funding awards, as part of WWI centenary commemorations
Twelve war memorials across Scotland are set to be conserved and repaired after being awarded a share of £55,000 worth of grant funding by War Memorials Trust, through the Centenary Memorials Restoration Fund.
The recipients are spread across Scotland, with memorials in Fife, Perthshire, the Western Isles, East Lothian, and the Highlands all set to benefit from funding. The grants range from nearly £13,000 to carry out major repair and conservation works to the war memorial in Prestonpans, and roof repair of a war memorial hall in Dairsie, down to smaller grants of around £1,300 for minor, but important repairs and necessary cleaning.
The fund – which is managed by War Memorials Trust on behalf of Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government – allows communities throughout Scotland to apply for financial help to conserve and repair their war memorials.
Frances Moreton, Director of War Memorials Trust, said: “The centenary of World War I has so far seen communities across Scotland take advantage of this additional funding, to ensure their war memorials are in the best possible condition to mark the sacrifices of so many.
Tolsta, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, WM6723, Grant Offer: £2,930.00
Applicant: Tolsta Community Council
The memorial is suffering from loss of pointing. Ahe bronze panel with inscriptions requires attention as an unsuitable treatment looks to have been applied in the past and the lettering is increasingly obscured.
The grant funding will support works to lift surface dirt and biological growth using water and bristle brushes. Failed mortar will be unpicked and joints re-pointed with lime mortar. The bronze panel will be inspected and assessed with inappropriate surface treatments or lacquers carefully removed. The surface will be gently treated using de-ionised/distilled water, a pH natural soap and soft bristle brushing. Following a re-patination process, at least 3 coats of microcrystalline wax will be applied to protect the surface.
Details of memorial can be found at www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/155660