An additional £1m has been allocated towards the upgrading and restoration of Scotland’s war memorials, in preparation for the anniversary of the First World War.

The Centenary Memorials Restoration Fund will pay for the upgrading and maintenance of memorials in villages, towns and cities in Scotland.

First Minister Alex Salmond made the announcement during a visit to the Fyvie war memorial in Aberdeenshire.

"The events in 2014 to mark the anniversary of the outbreak of the Great War will not be a celebration in Scotland, but a commemoration of the servicemen and women who paid the ultimate price in defence of our country," he said.

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"Scotland’s war memorials – from the magnificent to the more modest – pay tribute to those fallen and will be an important part of the commemorations in communities the length and breadth of Scotland during 2014.

"The Fyvie memorial is maintained beautifully, but there are some in Scotland in need of upgrade to get them up to standard for the commemorations. That is why I am delighted to announce the launch of the Centenary Memorials Restoration Fund, which will offer grants to those who care for these important monuments for works to be carried out."

There are estimated to be between 5,000 to 6,000 memorials across Scotland dedicated to those who have lost their lives in conflict.

Historic Scotland has been supporting the conservation and repair of war memorials across the country since 2008 through a grant scheme administered by the War Memorials Trust (WMT).

The funding will be available from 2014-18 to allow communities to choose the best time to restore their war memorials, from the start of commemorations in August 2014 until Armistice Day 2018.

(IT)