Scotland`s War Memorials
Argyll & Bute
Mainland Locations
I have a large collection of War Memorial images, both in the UK and abroad and this section is due to be revamped with memorials listed in their respective regional locations etc* This page covers War Memorials in . Please bear in mind that all my images are subject to copyright. They are not free to use and have been embedded with a digital watermark.
Intro etc * The County is divided into two sections: This one covers Mainland locations in the county. Click here for Bute and the Other Islands (Link).
Ardfern
The Ardfern War Memorial stands in the village of Ardfern, by the side of the B8002 which branches off the main A816 Oban - Lochgilphead Road, on Argyll`s rugged and deeply indented west coast. Despite occupying an idyllic setting on the shores of Loch Craignish in what appears to be a `forgotten corner`, the village can become extremely busy, particularly in summer as it`s a major tourist and yachting centre.
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Ardfern has a surprising range of facilities including the boatyard, marina and an inn said to date from the 1600s to serve drovers from Islay and Jura who ferried their cattle across to Craignish Point, bound for the huge markets or cattle `trysts` at Crieff and Falkirk.
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The Ardfern War Memorial stands in front of Craignish Parish Church on the south side of the village. The kirk was built in the 1730s. Craignish Old Parish Church (below**), also known as Kilmory Chapel, with its fine collection of ancient sculpted grave stones is only a short distance away. Click Here to view the relevant post.
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There are four faces on the Ardfern memorial but some of the text is quite difficult to make out. The main inscription reads: `In the Great War 1914-1919 They died for Freedom and for Honour`. The panels contain names of those lost in both the First and Second World Wars. (to edit)*
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Beyond the old church the road crosses to the west side of the peninsula before coming to an end on the shore of Loch Beag, a mile short of Craignish Point.
Dominating the head of this smaller sea loch is Craignish Castle, a grim tower house much altered and now serving as a private residence. The original structure dates from around 1400. The only settlement on the north side of the Craignish Peninsula is Craobh Haven, a village similar to Ardfern with a busy marina. It can only be reached via its own access road from the A816. |
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Dunoon
This is the main Dunoon War Memorial, erected to commemorate the men from the town who fell in the Great War. This separate memorial, on the opposite side of the road, commemorates service personnel killed in the Second World War.
To the north of the town, The Fallen from Sandbank and Ardnadam are recorded on this memorial on the banks of the Holy Loch. This view shows where the US tender and floating dry-dock vessels would have been positioned when the submarine base was operational.
To the north of the town, The Fallen from Sandbank and Ardnadam are recorded on this memorial on the banks of the Holy Loch. This view shows where the US tender and floating dry-dock vessels would have been positioned when the submarine base was operational.
On Dunoon`s Castle Hill, close to the famous statue of Highland Mary, is this Submarine Memorial. The US Navy had a base in the Holy Loch between 1961 and 1992 to support their Polaris nuclear submarines operating in the Atlantic. Operations from the Holy Loch ceased when the collapse of the Soviet Union ended the Cold War and reduced the threat of a major East-West conflict. The USN base closed, the personnel returned to America and some of the buildings including housing were passed to the local community. During the base`s operational career five different Submarine Tenders and one Floating Dry-dock were based in the Holy Loch. This plaque recognises the cooperation between the USN and Royal Navy submariners.
This small plaque erected by the Scottish Film Council marks Dunoon as the birthplace of Eric Campbell who was thought to have been born in the town in 1878. Many, however, dispute Dunoon`s claim and suggest that Campbell was actually born in Cheshire, England. Campbell was a famous Hollywood villain of the Silent Movie era, co-starring in a total of 11 Charlie Chaplin films. His best-known role is in Easy Street (1917) when he played a huge thug, bending a cast-iron lamppost to intimidate Chaplin who played a street cop. Campbell`s life was brought to a premature end when he was killed in a car crash, aged 38.
Inveraray
Inveraray stands in a picturesque location near the head of Loch Fyne, a long sea loch that curves northward from the Firth of Clyde. The original town, a substantial settlement for its time, stood across the bay, closer to the castle, however, when the Duke of Argyll decided to replace the original ruinous castle with the present mansion and landscaped gardens, he realised that the proximity of the Old Town would restrict his grand plans. As a result, the present New Town was built between 1753 and 1776.
The design of Inveraray Castle was inspired by a sketch made by John Vanburgh, the architect responsible for Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. The third floor and conical roofs on the corner towers were added in 1877, following a serious fire. Inveraray is the seat of Clan Campbell and the castle has a number of interesting exhibits including Clan related items, paintings and weapons, including Rob Roy`s sporran and dirk handle.
The Inveraray Cross used to serve as the market cross of the original settlement but now stands at the foot of Main Street. It is of Celtic design and dates from the 15th century. The town has numerous historic buildings including a bell tower, churches, an old Jail and Georgian courthouse.
The building in the background* is the Glenaray and Inveraray Parish Church, built between 1792 and 1802 by Robert Mylne. Unusually, it operated as a double church, with one half of the congregation worshipping in Gaelic while the other worshipped in Scots. Mylne, an Edinburgh-born architect, designed and built many of the other buildings in the town.
The design of Inveraray Castle was inspired by a sketch made by John Vanburgh, the architect responsible for Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. The third floor and conical roofs on the corner towers were added in 1877, following a serious fire. Inveraray is the seat of Clan Campbell and the castle has a number of interesting exhibits including Clan related items, paintings and weapons, including Rob Roy`s sporran and dirk handle.
The Inveraray Cross used to serve as the market cross of the original settlement but now stands at the foot of Main Street. It is of Celtic design and dates from the 15th century. The town has numerous historic buildings including a bell tower, churches, an old Jail and Georgian courthouse.
The building in the background* is the Glenaray and Inveraray Parish Church, built between 1792 and 1802 by Robert Mylne. Unusually, it operated as a double church, with one half of the congregation worshipping in Gaelic while the other worshipped in Scots. Mylne, an Edinburgh-born architect, designed and built many of the other buildings in the town.
The town`s fine war memorial on the waterfront is by Glasgow-born sculptor Kellock Brown (1856-1934) who trained at Glasgow School of Art and later taught there. He devoted much of his time to metalworking, became a member of the London Guild and in 1908 was elected to the Royal Academy. The figure of the kilted Highlander features in several other War Memorials by Brown, including the ones at Johnstone and Largs. In addition to a number of fine war memorials Brown`s other work includes the Thomas Carlyle Memorial in Glasgow`s Kelvingrove Park.
During the Second World War Inveraray was chosen as a suitable base for Commandos to train in amphibious operations. On the 15th October 1940 Vice Admiral Theodore Hallet R.N. assumed command of No.1 Combined Operations Invasion Training Centre and Royal Engineer and Pioneer Companies arrived to set up camps for the large influx of troops and sailors. Town Camp and Avenue Camp were erected behind the Newtown and the Duke's and Castle Camps sprang up in the castle grounds. Shira Camp was built at the entrance to Glen Shira and, south of the town, farmland was requisitioned to build a Naval Camp known as `HMS Quebec`. Further along the shore Kilbride and Chamois Camps were established. Troopships dropped anchor in the loch and the available accommodation soon filled.
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Some of the larger houses and buildings in Inveraray and the surrounding area were requisitioned by the Admiralty including Tigh-na-Ruadh which became Admiralty House. It is now the Loch Fyne Hotel.
Residents soon became blasé to platoons of uniformed soldiers running from cover to cover with weapons at the ready as they spread out from the harbour during simulated attacks upon the town. During off duty hours entertainment venues for military personnel included a cinema within the grounds of Inveraray Castle and a large N.A.F.F.I. canteen built on the site where the present day Youth Hostel now stands. |
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The first warships to take up station for a prolonged period at the head of Loch Fyne were HMS Queen Emma and HMS Princess Beatrix. The latter vessel, is pictured on the right, and both have an interesting history. They were built as civilian passenger liners in 1939 by De Schelde at Vlissingen, and named MS Koningin Emma and MS Prinses Beatrix after Queen Emma and Princess Beatrix of The Netherlands.
The ships then served with the Zealand Steamship Company between Flushing and Harwich, but fled to Britain after the German invasion of Holland and the Low Countries in 1940. |
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Both vessels were requisitioned by the Ministry of War and given English versions of their original names. They then sailed to Harland and Wolff's yard in Belfast where they were converted to serve as troopships with the Royal Navy. Following several missions transporting troops to and from Dunkirk, both returned to Belfast where the were converted into Assault Ships for transporting British Commandos. Between them the two ex-Netherlands vessels participated in major amphibious operations including the Lofoten Islands Raid, the Dieppe Raid, landings in North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, and southern France, plus D-Day. Both survived the war and in 1946 they were returned to their original owners and resumed their role as ferries until the late 1960s when both were scrapped.
The transport ship Ettrick, with troops for invasion training aboard, lay off shore, as did the hospital ships St David and St Andrew. These "lend lease" ships were used until the Jubilee Hall at the Maitland was converted to a Military Hospital. It had 50 beds complete with a fully equipped operating theatre and X-ray room. The hospital was staffed by members of the Queen Alexander's Imperial Medical Nursing Staff and by V.A.D.s.
By 1941 two more ships at the pier were the Quebec and the Beverly Brook. There were regular comings and goings of naval ships including units of the Allied Fleets. Dutch oil-driven lighters were, for a long time, on duty mostly around Kilbride. Two Canadian lake steamers, the Eaglescliffe Hall and the A.A. Fields were anchored off the pier - the latter was sunk during the D-Day landings on the Normandy coast.
In Dalchenna Bay two Mississippi river boats, the U.S. Northland and the U.S. Southland were stationed as a camp overflow. Several of their sister ships were sunk crossing the Atlantic to Britain. In the latter part of 1943 and early 1944 a number of Docker Companies underwent invasion training at Kilbride Camp. This consisted of loading and unloading ships under war conditions including the use of live ammunition. Many famous regiments were to receive specialised training on the shores of Loch Fyne and in the surrounding hills.
By 1941 two more ships at the pier were the Quebec and the Beverly Brook. There were regular comings and goings of naval ships including units of the Allied Fleets. Dutch oil-driven lighters were, for a long time, on duty mostly around Kilbride. Two Canadian lake steamers, the Eaglescliffe Hall and the A.A. Fields were anchored off the pier - the latter was sunk during the D-Day landings on the Normandy coast.
In Dalchenna Bay two Mississippi river boats, the U.S. Northland and the U.S. Southland were stationed as a camp overflow. Several of their sister ships were sunk crossing the Atlantic to Britain. In the latter part of 1943 and early 1944 a number of Docker Companies underwent invasion training at Kilbride Camp. This consisted of loading and unloading ships under war conditions including the use of live ammunition. Many famous regiments were to receive specialised training on the shores of Loch Fyne and in the surrounding hills.
Kilmelford
The small village of Kilmelford stands at the head of sheltered Loch Melford on Scotland`s West coast, around 26 km (16 miles) south of Oban. The sheltered anchorage of Loch Melford makes the village a popular haven for the yachting community and it makes a convenient jumping-off point for visiting Mull and the other islands of the Inner Hebrides. There are also many miles of excellent walks with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and coast and, with both the sea and hill lochs famous for wild brown trout on its doorstep, Kilmelford is popular with anglers. Also, the National Trust for Scotland’s gardens at Arduaine, are located just a few miles south of the village.
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The village war memorial, in the form of a Celtic cross on a stepped base, is situated in front of Kilmelford Parish Church which stands on the east side of the busy A816 Oban - Lochgilphead road. The World War One Roll of Honour lists those who fell, their unit, and somewhat unusually which of the local communities they belonged to, plus where and when they died. Inscribed above the names on the front is `In Memory of The Men Who in The War of Nations 1914-1919 Made the Supreme Sacrifice` a seldom seen reference to the Great War on such monuments, Although is cross itself is unremarkable the way the text wraps round the base is interesting.
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Loch Awe
This is another sculpture by Andrew Carrick (1882-1966). Musselburgh born Carrick was one of Scotland`s finest monumental sculptors during the period that followed the Great War. This impressive seafront war memorial stands at the end of the Corran Esplanade in Oban. It is one of many war memorials by Alexander Carrick (1882–1966) who was one of Scotland`s finest monumental sculptors during the period that followed the First World War. Carrick was born in Musselburgh, near Edinburgh, and in 1897 he became an apprentice stonemason, working under Birnie Rhind, who was a respected monumental sculptor of the time. Carrick went on to study at Edinburgh College of Art and later became head of sculpture there.
During the Great War Carrick served for three years in the Royal Garrison Artillery, an arm of the Royal Artillery, and saw action on the Western Front. His experiences appear to have had a large influence on many of his works. At the end of the conflict he returned to Edinburgh and shortly thereafter received his first commission to create a war memorial for Lochawe which stands at the entrance to Saint Conan's Kirk. Other examples of Carrick`s work can be found inside the church and at various locations not only in Scotland and England but also in South Africa. He was also a great influence on sculptors that followed.
The Loch Awe war memorial was unveiled in 1920. (to edit)*
During the Great War Carrick served for three years in the Royal Garrison Artillery, an arm of the Royal Artillery, and saw action on the Western Front. His experiences appear to have had a large influence on many of his works. At the end of the conflict he returned to Edinburgh and shortly thereafter received his first commission to create a war memorial for Lochawe which stands at the entrance to Saint Conan's Kirk. Other examples of Carrick`s work can be found inside the church and at various locations not only in Scotland and England but also in South Africa. He was also a great influence on sculptors that followed.
The Loch Awe war memorial was unveiled in 1920. (to edit)*
Oban
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Oban`s War Memorial, which stands on the seafront at the north end of the Corran Esplanade, features this striking sculpture by Andrew Carrick (1882-1966).
Carrick was born in Musselburgh, near Edinburgh, and in 1897 he became an apprentice stonemason, working under Birnie Rhind, who was one of the country`s most respected monumental sculptors at that time. Carrick went on to study at Edinburgh College of Art and later became Head of Sculpture there. During the Great War Carrick served for three years in the Royal Garrison Artillery, an arm of the Royal Artillery, and saw action on the Western Front. Carrick became one of Scotland`s finest monumental craftsmen during the period that followed. His experiences appear to have had a large influence on many of his works. At the end of the conflict he returned to Edinburgh and shortly thereafter received his first commission to create a war memorial for Lochawe which stands at the entrance to Saint Conan's Kirk. Other examples of Carrick`s work can be found inside that church and at various locations not only in Scotland and England but also in South Africa. He was also a great influence on the sculptors that followed. |
The Oban memorial, which features carved figures of two kilted Highland Infantrymen carrying a wounded comrade, was unveiled on 11th November 1923 by Lieutenant Colonel W.H. MacAlpine-Leny of Duror, D.S.O. The four panels on the Oban memorial list casualties from both World Wars and the Falklands Conflict. The gold lettering stands out vividly from a distance and contrasts with the drab stone figures.
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The war memorial can be seen on the left in this shot taken from the Oban-Mull ferry.
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The ruin of Dunollie Castle (below) stands on top of a thickly wooded cliff just north of the memorial. Although the structure that can be seen today dates from the 15th century, it is thought that Ewan MacDougall, the third chief of Clan MacDougall, Lords of Lorne, built a stronghold on the same site in the 13th century. In June 1306, Robert the Bruce and remnants of his army were in flight following a crushing defeat by English forces at the Battle of Methven and were heading west to seek refuge with Campbell of Loch Awe. Much of the route led through hostile territory and in Strathfillan, near Tyndrum, Bruce found a formidable force of MacDougalls blocking his path. The spot where battle took place was thereafter known as Dalrigh (King`s field). The story goes that, greatly outnumbered, Bruce`s army was again routed and, as he fought his way clear, three MacDougalls attempted to wrest him from his horse. He managed to kill them all, cleaving the arm off one as his assailant grabbed at his cloak.
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Bruce successfully evaded capture but the garment, which had the Brooch of Lorne pinned to it, lay grasped in the hand of the severed limb. The jewel, made from almost pure silver, became the MacDougall`s most treasured trophy and was kept at Dunollie Castle for a time. Bruce returned and ravaged MacDougall lands in 1309, after defeating them at the Pass of Brander (Loch Awe).
In 1644 Dunollie was attacked by Argyll and in 1647 was besieged by General David Leslie and an army of Covenanters. The castle was attacked again in 1715 when the MacDougalls were fighting for the Stewarts during the Jacobite Rising. In 1746, the MacDougalls built Dunollie House nearby and moved there, abandoning the castle to the elements. It soon fell into disrepair and is now in a very dangerous condition but can be viewed from the exterior only.
In 1644 Dunollie was attacked by Argyll and in 1647 was besieged by General David Leslie and an army of Covenanters. The castle was attacked again in 1715 when the MacDougalls were fighting for the Stewarts during the Jacobite Rising. In 1746, the MacDougalls built Dunollie House nearby and moved there, abandoning the castle to the elements. It soon fell into disrepair and is now in a very dangerous condition but can be viewed from the exterior only.
WW2
During the Second World War, flying boats flew numerous missions from Ardantrive Bay at Oban. A purpose-built base, designated RAF Oban, was established at the northern end of the island of Kerrera following a survey of the location by the military in the 1930s which deemed the relatively sheltered waters suitable for flying boat operations. An aircraft servicing area, new slip and jetty as well as a fuel station were constructed on the island.
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In October 1939, shortly after the outbreak of war, No. 209 Squadron RAF began operations from Oban with Supermarine Stranraers but were eventually re-equipped with Saro Lerwick flying-boats.
Pictured on the right is a 240 Squadron Stranraer Mark I, K7295/BN-L based at Stranraer, Ayrshire, landing on Loch Ryan. The shot below left shows Saro Lerwick, L7265/ WQ-Q, of No. 209 Squadron RAF, taxiing to its moorings in Wig Bay, Stranraer. Next is another 209 Squadron Lerwick, serial number L7257/WQ-F, this one having been photographed at Oban in August 1940. Note retractable dorsal turret. |
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RAF personnel at Oban were billeted at various locations, including in some of the the main seafront hotels. In July 1940, No.210 Squadron, equipped with the Short Sunderland, replaced No. 209 Squadron. Operationally, the base was part of 18 Group Coastal Command, and operated No. 302 Ferry Training Unit, together with a number of other squadrons, including No. 228 Squadron RAF, No. 10 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force, No. 422 and 423 Squadrons Royal Canadian Air Force and No. 330 (Norwegian) Squadron RAF.
The strategically advantageous location meant that these long-range flying boats could cover a vast area as they carried out anti submarine patrols and convoy escort duty. No. 4 Flying Boat Servicing Unit were situated on the mainland to the northeast of Oban at Ganavan and carried out maintenance on the aircraft. A memorial now stands at this location which I intend to photograph next time I`m up that way.
On Saturday 4 November 2017, I arrived in Oban to catch the Mull ferry just as a small Garden of Remembrance was being unveiled on the Esplanade by the town`s branch of British Legion Scotland to promote the Scottish Poppy Appeal on the run up to Armistice Day.
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A prominent civic memorial, non war-related, stands in Argyll Square in Oban in the middle of a major intersection and roundabout. It takes the form of a drinking fountain and honours Robert Barbour McKelvie M.D. (Born 1836 on Arran) who was educated at Glasgow University. McKelvie graduated in 1858 and, after serving as an assistant in Ayrshire for a time, he was appointed Parochial Medical Officer, Appin and Lismore. He moved to Oban in 1875 and took on the medical care of four parishes, plus the Lorn Combination Poorhouse amongst other duties. His work meant a great deal of travelling, often to remote mainland or island communities. Following the outbreak of an infectious disease in the area in 1897 McKelvie funded a suitably equipped hospital, the McKelvie Hospital, which he gifted to the town. He died as a result of stroke on 5th November 1901.
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Taynuilt
Taynuilt is a large village in Argyll and Bute, located at the foot of Ben Cruachan between Loch Awe and Loch Etive, close to the western entrance to the former
loch`s narrow Pass of Brander. Both these lochs are tremendously scenic with the Etive, which is likened to Norwegian Fjord, being particularly fine, especially at its northernmost end where it narrows considerably before almost meeting the southern aspect of the mountains that line the south side of Glen Coe. A fantastic array of peaks lie close to this sea loch or rise steeply from its shores and one of the best ways to experience the atmosphere of Glen Etive is to take one of the cruises that operate from Taynuilt during the summer months. The shot below shows the village reflected in the still waters of Loch Etive on a calm winter`s morning.
loch`s narrow Pass of Brander. Both these lochs are tremendously scenic with the Etive, which is likened to Norwegian Fjord, being particularly fine, especially at its northernmost end where it narrows considerably before almost meeting the southern aspect of the mountains that line the south side of Glen Coe. A fantastic array of peaks lie close to this sea loch or rise steeply from its shores and one of the best ways to experience the atmosphere of Glen Etive is to take one of the cruises that operate from Taynuilt during the summer months. The shot below shows the village reflected in the still waters of Loch Etive on a calm winter`s morning.
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Bonawe Furnace, founded in 1753, lies on the north side of the village and is the most complete charcoal-fuelled ironworks in Britain. Currently under the care of Historic Scotland, the site is open to the public between April to September and displays explain the industrial heritage of the area and illustrate how pig iron was made. In its heyday, the furnace employed up to 600 people, most of whom were involved with collecting wood from extensive local forests and making charcoal to process the iron ore which was imported from England. In 1805 around 42,000 cannonballs were produced at Bonawe, some of these later being used against the French and Spanish at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The furnace remained in operation until 1876.
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The Taynuilt war memorial is a tall rustic grey granite pedestal supporting a granite sculpture of a Highland infantryman with head bowed and arms reversed. The commemoration and names of the dead are listed in lead lettering on a smooth granite tablet set into the face of the pedestal. The monument stands beside the main A85 Crianlarich to Oban road in the middle of the village.
While I photographing the memorial on my last visit, an elderly gentleman who stays in the village, started chatting and told me that his uncle, who served in the RAF, is one of the casualties listed on the Second World War panel, having been killed in one of the first large scale bombing raids over Germany.
Additional images and information can be found on my blog, Clydeside Images.com. Further War Memorial and Military History content, not exclusively relating to Scotland, may also feature in the galleries of individual countries on this site. Also, check out my Stock Photography Archive for even more shots.
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Bute & the Other Islands
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