Gairloch War Memorial – environmental works.

Residents in Gairloch are being canvassed this week for their views on the possible relocation of the Gairloch War Memorial.

The memorial was originally erected by Sir Kenneth and Lady Marjory Mackenzie in memory of their son Roderick I. Mackenzie, a lieutenant in the Black Watch, and the sixty three men of Gairloch who died in World War 1. The names of nine Gairloch men lost in World War 2 have also been inscribed.

The memorial stands in a prominent location, opposite the Crasg Car Park on the A832. Access to the memorial, which has been an increasing source of concern for some in the community over recent years, is by a long flight of steps that lead up from a gateway in the roadside retaining wall. The Community Council have asked Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service to look into alternatives to improve access, as part of it’s Capital Projects Programme.

Councillor Drew Hendry, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: “I very much hope that greater access to the memorial would not only allow new generations an opportunity to understand the loss and tragedy of war, but also to appreciate the selfless way that these brave men served to make sure that we would have a future of peace and prosperity.”

The Projects Team from the Council’s Planning and Development Service held a well attended Community Consultation Day in Gairloch last year, which gathered in a number of suggestions for new locations that would make the Memorial more accessible. All of these options were considered and discussed with both the Community Council and relevant Council Services. This process revealed that practical considerations ruled out most alternatives leaving only a site on the seaward side of the A832, next to the Crasg Car Park.

Anne Cowling, Highland Council’s Landscape Officer said: “We really appreciate that moving a War Memorial can be a very emotive subject for a community, especially for families who have been in the area for generations. This move would make the Memorial much more accessible to people of all abilities and ages, avoiding the need to cross the road at a bend with poor visibility, removing the long climb and bringing the memorial closer to the footpath and parking area. However, the initiative for looking at alternatives came from the people of Gairloch and it should be their decision if the move happens.

“The Highland Council is committed to meeting the National Standards for Community Engagement, which has helped to underpin the consultation on this project. These standards help us to ensure that we work together with communities, share information and feed back consultation results to the community.”

Highland Councillor Richard Greene who lives at Strath, Gairloch said: “I am delighted to see the Gairloch community have the opportunity to forward improvements which they have identified, and that this programme will bring to fruition these aspirations.”
 
Also arising from last year’s Consultation Day, works are shortly to be put out to tender for replacement of part of the beach boardwalk with a recycled plastic alternative.

Anne Cowling said: “This was something which people were very much in favour of at the consultation day, when they were able to see a sample of the material and images of similar projects elsewhere. Recycled plastic has a number of advantages over timber, being impervious to rot, fungi and insect attack, having minimal algal growth and a slip resistant finish and should last many years without significant maintenance. We have consulted with SNH staff for advice on the specification and working methods, as they have experience of using these materials very successfully at Flanders Moss. Work should begin on-site in May.”