Unveiling of new War Memorial 3rd June 2001 The unveiling of the new War Memorial in West Kilbride took place today at 1500hrs and was proceeded by a march from the village’s train station to the site at 1400hrs. The march off
was led by the band of the Royal Marines, with standard bearers of the Royal British Legion and contingents from 52nd Lowland Brigade (RHF), The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons & Camerons), Royal Naval Reserve and various local youth elements including the Boys Brigade. In all about 350 personages took part in the parade and I cannot forget to mention the West Kilbride Pipe Band, who played so very well for us. The parade was led and organised by WO1 Aitken MBE (RSM 52nd
Lowland Bde TAVR). I must compliment him and his staff for a job very well done, including our own WO2 Jimmy Stout (Ex Queen’s Own Highlanders) now of the Highlanders, in his skillful handling of both people and traffic, and also his immaculate turnout. I have to say that things did not look too promising on my arrival and despite fine sunny weather the village was deserted expect for a lone workman putting the finishing touches to the dais for the local
dignitaries to stand on during the ceremony. Said workman informed me that the march off was not scheduled until 1400hrs, and as this was only 0945hrs I asked when the timings had undergone such a drastic change from that posted in the RHQ letter of 1000hrs. I was then told that the times had not changed and the event was always scheduled for the later start. Oh well! What had started as such a promising day faded away, like the sun.
Luckily for us all the rain stayed off until after the parade, confirming yet again my belief that the “sun always shines on the righteous”. This Memorial parade and dedication was very much a one man crusade from local resident William McSkimming who had campaigned for many years to honour the names of those who died during the WW1. Now retired he was aided by the “Memorial Trust” in securing these four six feet by three feet by eight
inches stones in polished black granite with gold letting thereon. This ensured that every villager who took part in WW1 and did not return home is remembered. The names that follow are all members of The Highlanders Family - Lt J Spottiswood Alexander
Seaforth 11th Apr 1921
- Pte WL Aitken 1
Seaforth 18th Jul 1916
- Pte A Barbour 2
Seaforth 20th Aug 1918
- L/Cpl GMC Denholm 9
Seaforth 09th Apr 1917
- Pte D Dickie 7
Seaforth 30th Dec 1917
- Pte JM Russell 5
Seaforth 19th Jun 1915
- Pte RG Speirs 4
Seaforth 30th Dec 1917
- Sgt J Wigston DCM 6
Seaforth 24th Jul 1918
- Pte AL Hyndman 5
Gordons 12th Apr 1917
- Pte J McGillivray 8/10
Gordons 03rd Jul 1917
- Lt J McDonald ?
Gordons ???? Dec 1917
- Sgt T McLeish 8/10
Gordons 11th Apr 1917
- Pte J MacLean 1
Gordons 02nd Mar 1916
- L/Cpl H Higgins 7
Camerons 25th Sep 1915
- L/Cpl R Hunter 1
Camerons 20th Jan 1917
- Pte HJ Stevens 5
Camerons 18th Sep 1917
- Pte J McDowall 5
Camerons 25th Sep 1915
- Pte JB McFarlane 7
Camerons 25th Sep 1915
- Cpl A Sclanders 5
Camerons 25th Sep 1915
- Pte J Stewart 1
Camerons 11th Nov 1914
- 2nd/Lt WC Donald 6 Camerons
31st Jul 1917
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