D-Day anniversary ‘disgrace’ in Inverness after public saddened by lack of upkeep of war memorial site
Servicemen who took part in Thursday's D-Day 80th anniversary service at Cavell Gardens in Inverness say it was marred by the lack of upkeep of the war memorial site.
The D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944 - 80 years ago- heralded the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe, with Adolf Hitler’s dreams of conquest ending less than a year later as a direct result of the success of the landings and subsequent push westwards.
This week, thousands of veterans from across the UK continue to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in line of duty.
However, those in Inverness were ‘saddened’ by the conditions of Cavell Gardens and the council’s ‘lack of effort’ for this significant occasion.
Highland councillor Bet McAllister (Inverness Central) said: “It is an absolute disgrace and I am so embarrassed. The British Legion ended up going to Nairn because they wouldn’t go to Cavell Gardens due to the state of it.
“They were just disgusted with how the Highland Council had done it this year.
“I am absolutely devastated as it is so unfair for all the people who had relatives that were killed in the Second World War. I just cannot believe that they would let it get into that state.
“It really is the most disgusting state the Cavell Gardens has ever been in since it was built.
“This is the first time that I have ever seen it like that as it has always been kept in an absolutely wonderful condition. It breaks my heart to see it.”
Those that did attend the memorial garden out of respect were ‘very disappointed’ that the gardens weren’t maintained for the occasion.
British Legion committee member from Inverness and veteran John Baillie said: “The memorial plaque really should have been cleaned as it is the 80-year anniversary, the flowers weren’t blue and yellow for the Legion colours, and weeds were growing at the statue where the stones are, which is quite disgusting.
“I even picked weeds up before putting the wreath down.
“I don’t think they have given the 80th anniversary its due respect. It is sad that the town didn’t put on a better show and made the place tidy. There are only very few veterans left and it’s a shame that we couldn’t rise to the occasion.
“I hold the council responsible for it and I want them to attend to it immediately.”
Highland Council’s Inverness city area manager David Haas said: “The council have the highest respect and regard for the military family. First of all, the comments are understood and recognised, but they must be seen in the context of the strength of support that we already give to the military family and the work that they do.
“There was an event at the Town House on Thursday to recognise the 80th anniversary of D-Day where military and public service representatives were present.
“With regard to Cavell Gardens, it has received significant investment over the years and in all occasions the monument itself and its surroundings have received attention over a long period of time to make them look how they do today.
“It is understood that we didn’t get to the flower bed as quickly as we would have liked, and it is understood that they didn’t look their best, but there are issues around that. The availability of plants, the weather and our capacity to actually put them out prior to the event was quite challenging because of the logistics around the availability of plants through our own provisions that we have got.
“Quite frankly it is down to logistics, supply and the weather.”
However, Mr Haas made it clear that the progress of Cavell Gardens flower beds is on track and will be attending to them ‘as quickly as possible to ensure they’re properly populated’.
