Miller Construction recently assisted First ScotRail with re-housing an Aberdeen war memorial while work is underway on Hammerson's £250m Union Square development.

The firm - the main contractor on the city's new retail and leisure development - assisted in moving this important piece of history from Aberdeen railway station to Grampian Transport Museum while the work progresses.

Miller Construction made a special casket for the transportation of the memorial - a large oak tablet bearing the names of employees of the Great North of Scotland Railway Company who lost their lives in the Great War - as well as arranging its safe transit to the museum.

Chris Connor, Site Manager, Miller Construction, said: "Union Square is an exciting regeneration project which will see the city centre change and evolve - but it is also important that we preserve its history for future generations.

-- Advertisement --

"The relocation was a delicate operation but, along with Hammerson and First ScotRail, we felt it was essential to ensure the safekeeping of the memorial while ensuring it remained on public display."

First ScotRail and Miller Construction have been working with Hammerson on the project, which will see significant improvements brought to Aberdeen.

The museum was delighted to take possession of the gilt-lettered oak tablet, which first went on display in 1921 in the GNSR company headquarters in Aberdeen.

Mike Ward, from Grampian Transport Museum, said: "We are honoured to house this new exhibit. As well as being a welcome added attraction to the museum, the memorial itself is sure to generate a new wave of interest."

Kirsty Watson, Project Manager at First ScotRail said: "With such a strong connection to the railway, it was important for us that the memorial still be accessible by the public during its relocation. This has been done to allow work on the major redevelopment to continue without any risk. We very much look forward to the tablet returning home after its short stay."

The memorial will be returned to Aberdeen railway station and a rededication ceremony will take place once it is in its new position.

Union Square will open in Autumn 2009.

(GK/JM)