Inverness War Memorial

Standing as a solemn tribute to the men and women of Inverness who served and sacrificed their lives in numerous conflicts, the Inverness War Memorial symbolises the city's commitment to remembering its past. Located between Island Bank Road and the River Ness, the memorial is integral to Inverness' cultural and historical fabric.

Description of Inverness War Memorial

The memorial is a high red sandstone Celtic cross surmounting a square stepped plinth, with inscriptions on the shaft. It features two walls that extend as wings from the base of the cross, which hold plaques and engravings dedicated to the fallen from the First World War, Second World War, and Post-1945 conflicts.

The Celtic knotwork on the face of the cross and on the shaft, along with the town arms at the base of the shaft, add to its visual distinction. Pillars form the terminals of the wings, further enhancing its grandeur.

Design, construction and unveiling

In February 1919, the idea for a War Memorial in Inverness was proposed, but action wasn't taken until January 1920. A committee was formed, subscriptions were collected, and various suggestions for the memorial's form were discussed. These included buying the Bught Estate for public use, building public baths, a gymnasium, or a young men's institute, or constructing a public hall with shops for revenue. Moving the Forbes Fountain and erecting a cenotaph at the Exchange was also considered. Some advised that the memorial should be monumental, and Celtic designs were recommended for those of Celtic descent.

By June 1921, the fund had reached £2206.6s. Among eight designs submitted, three were seriously considered. The architect Mr J. Hinton Gall's design was chosen, which included space for the names of casualties and was cost-efficient. The monument would be a Celtic cross with two smaller ones on the sides, constructed from red Dumfries freestone and Covesea freestone. The selected location was Cavell Gardens, named in memory of Edith Cavell, although an alternative site at the east end of the Infirmary Bridge was considered.

The memorial, unveiled by Mackintosh of Mackintosh in December 1922, attracted a crowd of 5000.

Unveiling of the memorial in 1922

The war memorial was officially unveiled on the 16th of December 1922 by Colonel The Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Lord Lieutenant of Inverness-shire and said:

“The memorial is a very beautiful monument to the brave who have fallen,”

“I am speaking to fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who, I am sure, are all thinking of those who have gone, whose memory shall ever be green and whose names will be recorded in the capital of the country.

“Alas, the bereaved need no human monument of that kind.”

Sir Donald Macdonald of the War Memorial Committee is quoted as saying:

“After much careful deliberation, it was decided to erect this elegant and stately monument on the picturesque banks of the river, which shall ever be dear to the hearts of the sons and daughters of Clachnacuddain,”

Surrounding gardens were developed with paths and iron railings, and maintenance fell under the Parks and Cemeteries Department. There were occasional requests to remove withered wreaths and tidy up the area.

Inverness War Memorial commemorates various conflicts, including:

• The First World War (1914-1918)

• First World War - civilians

• Second World War (1939-1945)

• Post-1945 war or conflict

• Cyprus Emergency (1955-1959)​

• Gulf War (1990-1991)

• Afghanistan (2001-2014)

• Non-Combat Deaths

Memorial inscriptions

The front of the plinth bears an inscription that reads:

"TO THE GLORIOUS MEMORY OF THE MEN OF THE BURGH AND PARISH OF INVERNESS WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918"

The back of the plinth reads:

"DURING THE WAR UPWARDS OF 5000 MEN OF THE BURGH AND PARISH OF INVERNESS WENT OUT ON ACTIVE SERVICE AND NOBLY UPHELD THE HONOUR OF THEIR COUNTRY. OF THESE GALLANT MEN 717 RETURNED NO MORE, TO THEIR MEMORY THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY A GRATEFUL COMMUNITY"

Other inscriptions include:

"An cogadh mor"- The Big War.

"THEY FOUGHT FOR KING AND COUNTRY FAITH AND FREEDOM NOR DID THEY FIGHT IN VAIN

Fear not that ye have died for naught, The Torch ye threw to us is caught.
Ten million hands will hold it high, and Freedom's light shall never die,
We've learned the lesson that ye taught,
In Flanders fields"

This monument is more that bronze and stone, A peoples' gratitude is here revealed. By this for evermore our debt we own To those whose blood our victory hath sealed. This is from mow a truly sacred place, Ans while the Ness reflects our native skies. This shrine shall point for each succeeding race The path of duty, love and sacrifice."

IN THREE CONTINENTS
AND IN THE DEEP THEY LIE
BUT IN OUR HEARTS THEIR DEEDS
FOR EVER ARE ENSHRINED

First World War and Second World War

Originally erected to commemorate the fallen in World War 1, the memorial displays 666 names from 1914 to 1918. The memorial was expanded further with an additional 306 names for World War 2 between 1939 and 1945.

If you are interested in the first and second world wars, Fort George has a fantastic museum containing many interesting artefacts, including items taken from Hitler's underground bunker.

Burma Campaign

In 2006 a new memorial was added at the front of the Inverness War Memorial to commemorate the Burma Campaign between 1941-1945. Erected by the Highland Counties Branch Burma Star Association, the inscription reads:

WHEN YOU GO HOME
TELL THEM OF US AND SAY
FOR YOUR TOMORROW
WE GAVE OUR TODAY

How to get to Inverness War Memorial

The Inverness War Memorial can be found in the Edith Cavell Gardens near the River Ness. The famous Great Glen Way walk passes the memorial, and the nearest road is Island Bank Road. The nearest bridge crossing the River Ness is the Infirmary Bridge.

From Inverness town centre:

1. From High Street, head to the bottom of the street (west) and join with Castle Road.

2. Follow Castle Road south, and turn right along Great Glen Way until you arrive at the memorial.

3. Limited on-street parking is available directly opposite the monument.

What3words: ///sweep.parade.ground
Google maps location
OS Grid Ref: NH 66485 44507

You can also see the Faith, Hope and Charity statues just north of the war memorial.

FAQs on Inverness War Memorial

Which wars does Inverness War Memorial commemorate?

Mainly the two world wars, but it also commemorates every major conflict since.

What are the Cavell Gardens?

Adjacent to the Inverness War Memorial is the Cavell Gardens, dedicated to nurse Edith Cavell. She was arrested and executed by the German Army during World War I for providing aid to soldiers from both sides of the conflict and aiding the escape of refugees from the war zone. A marker was added to these gardens on the 100th anniversary of her execution.

Key information on the Inverness War Memorial

• Located within Cavell Gardens between Island Band Road and the River Ness.

• Constructed in 1922 and unveiled on the 16th of December of that year.

• Designed by Mr John Hinton Gall (Architect) and made by D & A Davidson, Sculptors.

• Unveiled by Colonel The Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Lord Lieutenant of Inverness-shire.

• Initially dedicated to WW1, but now all major conflicts that followed.

Conclusion

The Inverness War Memorial is a touching place to visit while touring Inverness. My wife Janette and I happened across the memorial after visiting the Botanical Gardens and Ness Islands Walk; it's an ideal place to reflect while walking the east side of the River Ness.