One of Scotland's oldest war memorials in Leith restored to former glory after veteran fundraising campaign

One of Scotland’s oldest veterans’ memorials has been fully restored following a campaign led by former servicemen to bring it back to life.

The century-old Leith landmark bears the names of 220 men who served in the First World War and other conflicts. All were former residents of Whitefoord House, a charity that provides accommodation and support to ex-military.

Project Heritage was launched in April by Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) to save the memorial in Eastern Cemetery after it had fallen into a state of disrepair.

Supporters have raised more than £30,000 out of £40,000 for the restoration so far.

Memorial unveiled following fundraising campaign led by ex-servicemen STV News

Erected shortly after the establishment of SVR in 1910, the sandstone and bronze memorial commemorates veterans who lived their final years at Whitefoord House on the Royal Mile and died between 1917 and 1948.

Gordon Duffy is a former resident of the house. After leaving the army, he struggled with addiction and became homeless.

He said: “I went through – like probably most veterans – drink and drugs. I didn’t know where I was or what I was doing, it was a horrible time. If it wasn’t for Whitefoord I don’t know where I would’ve been, they were my saviour.”

For the past four years, he has been a central figure in the restoration project.

Gordon added: “It’s a memorial for people who survived and that’s so unusual. Any of them that died at Whitefoord House used to get a gun carriage and that, it’s only royalty that get that type of treatment and they done that through the 60s and 70s and that’s respect.”

The charity says that by restoring the names engraved, it ensures their sacrifices and service will never be forgotten.

Martin Nadin, chief executive of Scottish Veterans Residences said: “It’s likely that many of them had no other place to live so otherwise would have been homeless, I suspect that many were estranged from their family and if we fail to commemorate or remember them, then who else will?”

The restoration has sparked interest among current residents, who are now researching the names on the memorial – and are hoping to add others who spent their final days at Whitefoord House.

Current resident, Ian Norman said: “In modern society, not enough children are taught about the legacy that they’ve left, I feel it’s something we need to pass on as a legacy to the younger generation.”

Professor Beverly Bergman OBE, who is also a veteran, said: “As we’re coming up to Remembrance Day it’s particularly important to remember, not only those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service for their country, but those who came back.

“So it’s wonderful that we have this opportunity to remember all of them at times like this.”