newsNovember 1, 2016 at 12:41 pm

Two specially made wooden boxes lined with turf have been placed alongside the Kirkwall and St Ola War Memorial for people to place crosses of remembrance in during November.

The crosses can be purchased by donation from all the usual outlets, with the closest one to the memorial The Curiosity Shop, across the road, on Broad Street.

The two handmade boxes have been placed at the memorial by the Kirkwall Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland.

It is hoped that crosses – in memory of family and friends who served their country – will be placed within the boxes by members of the public in the run up to Remembrance Day.

Eddy Ross, chairman of the Kirkwall RBLS, and Bryan Taylor, branch president, said that the crosses can be placed in memory of anyone who served in any of the forces, or in any conflict.

In a touching addition to the boxes, a small amount of soil from Flanders Fields, the scene of fierce battles during World War One, is currently being obtained, and will be sprinkled into each box from this year forward.

Mr Ross and Mr Taylor also urged folk, including ex-service personnel, to turn out on both the 11th to pay their respects at the memorial, and again on Remembrance Sunday to join the annual Remembrance Parade.

They also thanked all the members of the public who line the streets each year and pay their respects during this period of remembrance.