Covid-19 memorial opens at Stirlingshire Crematorium

Stirlingshire Crematorium in Bannockburn has officially unveiled a new Covid-19 memorial which is now available for the public to visit.

The memorial was officially unveiled at a launch event on Saturday 17 July at the Stirlingshire site, which is run by Westerleigh Group,.

Just over a year ago, the group announced plans to create permanent dedicated memorials within its landscaped Gardens of Remembrance at most of its sites for people to visit and commemorate loved ones who died during the pandemic.

At the heart of each memorial is an all-polished black granite obelisk surrounded by wildflower planting incorporating all the colours of the rainbow. Westerleigh Group invited people of all ages and backgrounds to create a design for the stones, and six winners were chosen, one for each of Westerleigh Group’s regions.

The obelisk at the memorial in Stirlingshire features a design that was created by Poppy Lunn, who entered the competition for a family friend diagnosed with Covid.

Poppy drew three thistles, with one thistle in the middle featuring a rainbow on it, representing the NHS.

The design has been etched onto the memorial stones at Westerleigh Group’s Borders Crematorium and West Lothian Crematorium as well as Stirlingshire crematorium.

Roger Mclaughlan, CEO of Westerleigh Group, said: “I’m proud that our Covid-19 memorial is now open for people to visit.

“So many communities have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Sadly, many families have lost loved ones, and our thoughts and sincere condolences go to them, first and foremost.”

He added: “We felt we needed to do something not only to remember those who passed away but also to honour others who did so many positive and selfless acts to support people and bring their communities closer together.

“These lasting memorials will provide a tranquil place for people to remember and reflect; where they can seek some comfort knowing that the legacy of those lost is not only being recognised but will be remembered for many generations to come.”