City honours additions to Post-1945 memorial

Families and members of Legion Scotland (Royal British Legion Scotland Inverness Branch) along with representation from all three Branch's of the Serving Military and tri-cadet services will be joined by the Provost of Inverness, Councillor Helen Carmichael and the Vice Lord Lieutenant Lt Col Douglas Young on Tuesday 4 August to mark the addition of two fallen servicemen's’ names to the Roll of Honour on the Post-1945 Memorial at Cavell Gardens, Inverness.

Lt Alistair McKillop, Queen’s Own Highlanders died in an air accident in Belize on 27 August 1976. His brother Ian McKillop is travelling from Australia to attend the ceremony.

Sgt Craig Hilliard, Royal Air Force died in an air accident on Glen Tilt on 27 May 1993 whilst training for service in Bosnia, He is buried at Drumtemple Cemetery near Gorthleck. Sgt Hilliard’s mother Mrs Rosemary MacGregor lives in Inverness but is unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony due to failing health.

The Post-1945 Roll of Honour Memorial commemorates service men and women who have died in any conflict or whilst on duty in HM Forces since 1945. It was unveiled at the Cavell Gardens War Memorial in November 2012. The Memorial was a joint project between The Royal British Legion Scotland Inverness Branch - in conjunction with the City of Inverness Area Committee of The Highland Council.

Further names that have been proposed by families are added when the appropriate details have been checked with their units to ensure accuracy.

Provost of Inverness Councillor Helen Carmichael said: “It is an honour to mark this act of commemoration with the family members of Lt Alistair McKillop and to witness the unveiling of their names on the Roll of Honour plaque. Unfortunately due to failing health Sgt Craig Hilliard mother is unable to attend, our thoughts are with her today. The Roll of Honour Plaque will help to ensure that they will always be remembered.”

Joe Davidson, Chair of Legion Scotland – Inverness Branch said: “To be actively involved in this the third dedication Ceremony for the Post 1945 Roll of Honour Plaque makes me immensely proud and is one of highlights of my time as Chairman of the Inverness Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland. Whilst it is a sad occasion, I hope this Ceremony reminds the public of the daily sacrifice members of HM Forces undertake to keep us all safe.”