The Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) has awarded £2,110 through its Community Sponsorship Programme to fully fund the restoration of the historic RAF Memorial in Alness.
The funding provides the final contribution required for the project to proceed ahead of the memorial’s 25th anniversary this month, when the restored memorial is expected to be unveiled as part of commemorative events, including a wreath-laying ceremony.
The restoration will return the memorial to its original condition, including specialist cleaning and the renewal of its inscriptions.
Erected in 2001, the memorial was unveiled by the late John Cruickshank VC, one of Scotland’s most decorated wartime heroes. He served at RAF Alness/Invergordon on the Cromarty Firth from 1939 until the base’s closure in 1986.
John Cruickshank was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1944 for sinking a German U-boat and ensuring his seaplane’s safe return, in spite of severe damage to the aircraft and his own serious wounds. Following his death last year at the age of 105, the restoration will provide a fitting tribute to his legacy, as well as recognising the wider wartime contribution of communities across the Cromarty Firth.
The project had already secured £5,000 from Alness Community Council, with the Port’s contribution providing the final funding needed to allow the restoration to move forward.
Ian Burnett, Alness Community Council, said: “We are delighted to have supported the restoration of the RAF Memorial and are extremely grateful to the Port of Cromarty Firth for providing the final funding needed to make this important project possible.
“The memorial is a significant part of our local heritage and provides an important reminder of the role Alness and the wider Cromarty Firth played during wartime. As we approach its 25th anniversary, it is particularly fitting that we can restore the memorial and ensure it continues to honour those who served and contributed to the war effort.”
Alex Campbell, Chief Executive at the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We are delighted to provide the final funding needed to restore this important memorial ahead of its 25th anniversary.
“The RAF Memorial is an important part of Alness and the wider Cromarty Firth’s heritage, recognising the contribution of the RAF and local communities during wartime. Through our Community Sponsorship Programme, we are proud to support projects that preserve our shared history and ensure it can be enjoyed and understood by future generations.”
The memorial commemorates the RAF presence and wartime contribution of the Cromarty Firth area, including RAF Alness/Invergordon and the wider role of the Firth in the national war effort.
Once restored, the memorial will continue to provide an accessible place for residents, visitors, school groups and cruise passengers to learn about and reflect on the area’s wartime heritage.
The project will also help strengthen community pride and ensure an important part of the local history is preserved for future generations.
A rededication ceremony for the memorial will be held on 22 October at 11am, with those attending asked to assemble at 10.45am.
The restoration will include recognition of the organisations and individuals who have supported the project, ensuring their contribution to preserving local heritage is remembered alongside the stories commemorated by the memorial itself.
The Port’s Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop Cromarty Firth communities, for the benefit of local people.
Community projects, schools or local charities based in one of the nine communities that border the Cromarty Firth are welcome to apply for support. They can do so by submitting an application form stating the project’s objectives, aspirations and the benefits to the community, along with a letter/email of support from their local Community Council.
Projects must be collaborative and meet one of four eligibility criteria:
- Skills development, employability or job creation,
- Vessel crew or passenger support,
- Environmental protection or enhancement,
- Events or projects which encourage inter-community collaboration.
Application forms are available on the Port of Cromarty Firth website at Community – Port of Cromarty Firth or from cfpa@cfpa.co.uk.
