Scotland`s War Memorials
Badenoch & Strathspey
*Page under construction*
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*
Intro etc *
Kincraig
Also known as the Alvie Parish Memorial, Kincraig, this memorial stands beside the B9152 opposite the kirk, at the junction of the minor road leading to Loch Insh. The memorial honours local men and one woman who gave their lives in the Great War. An additional panel was added to commemorate those from the parish who fell in World War 2.
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Loch Insh.
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Kingussie
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Kingussie is a small town in the Badenoch and Strathspey ward of the Highland council area of Scotland. Historically in Inverness-shire, it lies beside the busy A9 road, although the old route of the A9 serves as the town's main street which has been bypassed since 1979. Kingussie is within easy reach of Aviemore and the Cairngorm Ski area.
The War Memorial was originally erected in 1921, on ground donated by the Balavil Estate. The location, known locally as `Witches Hill`, lies just outside the town on the B9152 near the cemetery. The memorial deteriorated over the years and the spot on which it stood became increasingly difficult to access. As a result, in 1982, the Kingussie branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) along with the Community and District Council, took the decision to have the memorial moved to a more suitable location. The operation was carried out by the Royal Engineers and the memorial now stands just off the main road in Gynak Gardens, which are a blaze of colour in spring and summertime. Gynak is the fast-flowing burn which loosely runs northwest to southeast, dividing the town in half. In years gone by, the water`s energy was harnessed to power the town`s mill and other local industries.
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The above shots of the Kingussie War Memorial were taken in late December when the flower beds were empty.
The stark remains of Ruthven Barracks stand in a prominent position near Kingussie, just east of the main A9 Perth to Inverness road, and are passed by tens of thousands of motorists each year. The Glen Feshie hills on the western edge of the Cairngorms lie to the east and can become a stunning backdrop, particularly after a heavy fall of snow which emphasises how desolate and remote the location would have been when the barracks were operational.
The site had been fortified long before the barracks were built and the substantial earthworks originally supported a 13th or 14th century castle belonging to the Comyns, later held by Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch. In 1451 the castle passed to the Earl of Huntly but was sacked later that year by his rival, John MacDonald, Earl of Ross. In the years that followed Ruthven Castle was attacked, torched and rebuilt twice but the remains were demolished to accommodate the Hanoverian barracks which were built in 1719. After the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion the British Government decided to tighten its grip on the Scottish Highlands and Ruthven was one of four fortified barracks built at strategic locations alongside major military roads that formed a network allowing large numbers of troops to move quickly to quell any potential uprising.
The barracks were completed in 1721 and could accommodate up to 120 troops. The complex included two barrack blocks and stables were later added to house 28 horses belonging to a dragoon detachment. In August 1745 a garrison of just a dozen redcoats commanded by Sergeant Molloy (Guise's 6th Regiment of Foot) successfully held the barracks against an attacking force of some 200 Jacobites. However, by February 1746 Molloy, now a Lieutenant and with more troops under his command, was unable to defend Ruthven against a superior, artillery-equipped force. In order to minimise casualties, Molloy surrendered the barracks to the Jacobites and he and his men were given safe passage to Perth.
Following the decisive defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie`s army at Culloden, many surviving clansmen made their way south and assembled at Ruthven Barracks the following day with the intention of fighting on. But, with the Hanoverian army in hot pursuit, the Prince had left a message that every man should flee and save himself as best he could. Before they left Ruthven the Jacobites torched the barracks to deny the enemy shelter and they were never rebuilt.
The barracks were completed in 1721 and could accommodate up to 120 troops. The complex included two barrack blocks and stables were later added to house 28 horses belonging to a dragoon detachment. In August 1745 a garrison of just a dozen redcoats commanded by Sergeant Molloy (Guise's 6th Regiment of Foot) successfully held the barracks against an attacking force of some 200 Jacobites. However, by February 1746 Molloy, now a Lieutenant and with more troops under his command, was unable to defend Ruthven against a superior, artillery-equipped force. In order to minimise casualties, Molloy surrendered the barracks to the Jacobites and he and his men were given safe passage to Perth.
Following the decisive defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie`s army at Culloden, many surviving clansmen made their way south and assembled at Ruthven Barracks the following day with the intention of fighting on. But, with the Hanoverian army in hot pursuit, the Prince had left a message that every man should flee and save himself as best he could. Before they left Ruthven the Jacobites torched the barracks to deny the enemy shelter and they were never rebuilt.
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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