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I have long been fascinated by the social history of war memorials and the hidden stories which lie behind them – the many lives impacted by the losses recorded to offer a tangible record of the fallen.

THE chill of November will be with us as time continues its unrelenting march towards the end of the calendar year. Churches will host many of the Remembrance services which will take place this month, remembering the fallen in all wars.

Across villages, towns and cities, traditional poppy wreaths will be laid in memory of those who paid the ultimate price and lives will fall silent for two minutes at 11am on Remembrance Sunday and again on November 11.

I have long been fascinated by the social history of war memorials and the hidden stories which lie behind them – the many lives impacted by the losses recorded to offer a tangible record of the fallen.

Although I live in Fife, I spent a number of years living in Edinburgh, yet today am still learning about the many war memorials to be found at the heart of the capital city. The Princes Street Gardens, beloved by tourists in all seasons, is home to a number of war memorials, including a number within the West Gardens. Aside from the Royal Scots War Memorial, there is the Royal Scots Greys memorial (proudly looking over the gardens) and a Scottish American Memorial. The latter pays tribute to all those of Scots descent who enlisted and fought in the First World War.

A wander through the west side can also uncover the Norwegian Memorial Stone. The stone was presented to the city in September 1978 and an inscription reads: ‘During the war years 1940-45 the Norwegian brigade and other army units were raised and trained in Scotland where we found hospitality, friendship and hope during dark years of exile. In grateful memory of our friends and allies on these isles. This stone was erected in the year 1978.’

Moving to the East Princes Street Gardens (the home of a temporary Remembrance memorial garden in November at the foot of the Scott Monument), a further poignant memorial can be found, honouring those lost in the Holocaust.

Unveiled in 1996 by the then City of Edinburgh District Council and Lothian Regional Council with the Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation, it ‘commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the Belsen Concentration Camp by the British Army and honours the memory of the six million Jews and other innocent victims killed by the Nazi atrocities in World War II.’

All of these memorials (and many more) will be the focus of poignant reflection this month as the world falls silent to honour those who paid the ultimate price. They continue to play a pivotal role in reminding the world of the cost of peace.

Lynne McNeil Editor