Stenness war memorial in running for national award

The Stenness War Memorial has won through to the final rounds of a national competition to find the best-kept war memorial in Scotland.

The memorial, which is maintained by the Firth and Stenness Community Council, has already triumphed in the Highlands and Islands regional competition, topping the ‘New Entries’ category and will now go on to the national awards.

The monument was recently restored by local firm James Dowell & Son.  It includes an entry for James W. S,. Isbister, the first civilian to be killed in World War Two, after bombs were dropped near the Brig o’ Waithe in Stenness.

Chairman of the Firth and Stenness Community Council, Eoin Scott, said: “This award is a tremendous achievement for such a small community.  The award showcases our dedication to our surroundings and the respect we show in memory of our war dead.”

The winners of the national competition will be announced by the end of August.