Work to repair war memorials in East Dunbartonshire is now complete.

The structures in Kirkintilloch and Lennoxtown have been returned to their former glory thanks to a £120,000 conservation and repair works scheme.

The project was carried out by specialists Hall Conservation Ltd, with funding allocated from the Centenary Memorials Restoration Fund (CMRF) (£90,000) and the council (£30,000).

Work began on the Kirkintilloch War Memorial back in July, while work on the Campsie War Memorial in Lennoxtown was carried out through October.

Conservation surveys were carried out to help form a comprehensive programme of works. These assessed the current condition of the memorials and identified the works required.

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At Kirkintilloch War Memorial this included cleaning and treating the six bronze plaques, repairing and repainting the four ironwork gates and re-pointing the whole memorial with lime mortar while the Campsie War Memorial needed cleaning and re-pointing, as well as repair work to its ironwork gates and stonework.

As well as being conserved and repaired these historical structures now incorporate a very modern crime-fighting security system called SmartWater. All bronze work on both memorials is now coated with this new forensically traceable DNA liquid.

Cllr Stewart MacDonald said: "This work has dramatically improved these two war memorials, ensuring they are fitting tributes to the residents of East Dunbartonshire who paid the ultimate price fighting for their country.

"These memorials provide people with a place to go and pay their respects. I could not be more impressed with the work which has been carried out and it is especially poignant it has happened during this time, as we mark the centenary of the First World War."

Image: Kirkintilloch War Memorial.

(LM/MH)