Muirkirk: Remembrance project unveiled on Main Street

With the support of East Ayrshire Council, the memorial has been created and erected in the garden area adjacent to the Muirkirk cenotaph.

A group of residents from the village wanted to create the tribute to remember the lives that could have been lived in Muirkirk and beyond, if it hadn't been for the conflicts across the world.

Provost Claire Leitch attended the ceremony (Image: NQ staff) The unveiling was attended by those behind the project, including the artists involved in the work, and the local school kids who have played a part.

Provost Claire Leitch was joined at the ceremony by other elected members, as well as artists Sue McNeil, Jason Stewart and Hollie Bates, and representatives Barbara Alexander, Joe Timmons, Sean Maguire and Vincent O'Brien.

Provost Leitch said: "Thank you to everyone who came along today for this project to be unveiled. I don’t even think ‘well done’ truly encapsulates what this piece of work means.

"This will help us to pay our respects and to remember the people who didn’t come home. It will allow us to remember the people who did come home, but still sacrificed so much for us.

"It will help us think about all the lives, careers and families that were cut short because of the sacrifice of so many people."

It is on display on Main Street (Image: NQ staff) One of the strong ideas behind the memorial was to get kids from the local school involved, to ensure that they have a strong understanding of why things like Remembrance Day are so important.

Children from Muirkirk Primary School have created a number of designs which will be rotated on the Main Street display board at the memorial, to give a number of pupils the chance to get involved.

Provost Leitch added: "In World War One, people were told it would be the war to end all wars. Could you imagine what life could be like if these people hadn’t lost their lives?

"A massive well done to everyone who had a part to play in creating this wonderful piece. Well done to the school and all the pupils who have got involved in this and done their part.

"It’s important to keep the younger generation involved with projects like this.

"Things are really difficult in the world, but let’s keep coming together and being nice to each other.

"There’s so many good things going on in our communities, and having this project is amazing."