Best Kept War Memorial a credit to all involved

Congratulations to Kirkwall and St Ola Community Council and the Royal British Legion Kirkwall branch for their success at the 2023 Legion Scotland ‘Best Kept War Memorial’ competition recently.

The Kirkwall and St Ola Community Council entered the War Memorial, which overlooks the St Magnus Cathedral green, into the ‘Small Community Without Gardens’ category.

Pictured here are Tom Rendall (left) Chair of the Kirkwall and St Ola Community Council and President of the RBL Kirkwall branch, Eddy Ross (right), with the certificate, cup and trophy marking the accolade of Best Kept War Memorial 2023 (in Small Community Without Gardens' category).

Presentations took place at New Haig House earlier this month, with Robert Aldridge, the Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Kennon Hawkins, National Vice Chairman of Legion Scotland presenting the awards. The overall ‘Champion of Champions’ award was won by Golspie.

Orkney Islands Council looks after the St Magnus Cathedral on behalf of the people of Orkney – but it is Kirkwall and St Ola Community Council which ensures the Memorial always has a welcoming array of flowers and wreaths, and works with the Council and the Royal British Legion (RBL) in Kirkwall on changes and improvements such as specialist cleaning and seating.

Tom Rendall is Chair of the Kirkwall and St Ola Community Council:

"I am very pleased that we have been judged as the Best Kept War Memorial in Scotland - in the ‘small memorial without garden’ category.

“For a number of years we have entered the competition and this year we have been successful.

“Some of the comments from judges praised the way our memorial was maintained and how it has improved over the years.

“Thanks to all the people involved in the upkeep of the Memorial whether it is looking after the flower planters or the general cleanliness!"

President of the RBL Kirkwall branch, Eddy Ross, said: “It is one of the finest memorials in the country and it is a privilege to receive this award on behalf of the people of Kirkwall and St Ola.”

OIC Convener Graham Bevan praised the efforts of the Kirkwall and St Ola Community Council, the RBL Kirkwall members and wider community involved for their work:

“I am sure everyone in Orkney would join me in thanking the Kirkwall and St Ola Community Council and Kirkwall RBL branch - and their many helpers - for the wonderful care and attention to the memorial.

“Much is owed to those who work behind the scenes to keep this much loved and prominent memorial in the centre of our largest town the peaceful, welcoming place of reflection it is meant to be, and a fitting tribute to lives lost - both for official remembrance events and as a place for locals and visitors to pay respects year round.

“Orcadians are hugely proud of this memorial - it is indeed heartwarming to see the hard work and dedication of the community reflected and acknowledged by this national award.

“On behalf of the Council and wider community, I offer the warm congratulations and sincere thanks to all involved over the years in its upkeep and care.”

The Kirkwall and St Ola War Memorial was unveiled on 17 October 1923 by General Lord Horne.

It commemorates military and civilian lives lost in the First World War (1914-1918), Second World War (1939-1945), and The Troubles in Northern Ireland (1969-1998), from the Kirkwall and St Ola area.

The impressive pink granite archway and cast iron gates, part of the environs of the listed St Magnus Cathedral, stands at around 5.5m high and features a carved angelic figure at the arch’s apex, holding aloft a torch.

You can view a full list of those commemorated on the memorial on the Imperial War Museum website.

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