DAVID Wilson Homes has built a memorial in Bishopbriggs to honour victims of the Second World War.
The housebuilder constructed the memorial at its Boclair Mews development, built on the site of the former Bishopbriggs High School. Its predecessor, Bishopbriggs Higher Grade School, was damaged in a bombing raid in 1941 that cost the lives of seven local residents.
Bishopbriggs Community Council, along with David Wilson, organised the ceremony to commemorate those who passed away. The memorial is constructed from stones reclaimed from the neighbouring Crosshill House and railings from the school that still show wartime damage.
Provost Gillian Renwick laid a wreath at the site and was joined by local historians Carol Primrose and Bill Findlay. Carol, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, is a relative of one of the victims, hence the street name Primrose Drive, while Bill is a retired community councillor and lifelong volunteer.
David Scott, MD of Barratt and David Wilson Homes West Scotland, said, “We’re privileged to be involved in such a touching ceremony to honour those that sadly passed away. Building this memorial on the grounds of our Boclair Mews development will give the community a space to pay their respects and remember the victims of such a tragedy.
“Bringing local figures together, including Provost Renwick, to participate in such an event is a true testament to those who care about their community and we hope residents continue to come together and show solidarity when it’s needed most.”
The ceremony was followed by an event at Bishopbriggs Library, where both Bill and Carol delivered speeches. Local representatives were invited along with East Dunbartonshire councillors and senior history pupils from Bishopbriggs Academy and Turnbull High.
Provost Gillian Renwick said, “As Provost, it was an honour to have been invited to attend the ceremony and lay a wreath at the memorial on behalf of the people of East Dunbartonshire. I’d like to thank David Wilson Homes for building the memorial to commemorate those who lost their lives in Bishopbriggs during the second world war and for providing relatives, like Carol Primrose, an opportunity to share their story. The tragic events that took place during World War Two will never be forgotten.”
