Online tribute to Galashiels’ fallen heroes

However, the Galashiels Remembers project marked the occasion by launching an updated online version of the town’s Book of Commemoration, which now recognises those from the town who gave their lives in the Second World War.

The launch is a legacy to the extensive activity that took place to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, which was delivered in 2018.

The online book, managed by Energise Galashiels Trust, can be viewed by clicking here.

Readers can also choose to download and print out a paper copy of the book.

As well as acting as a record of what was delivered in 2018, the online book has been well received since its launch two years ago and has become a catalyst for on-going community engagement.

Alongside the Book of Commemoration, a video of the recent Border Torch unveiling was also launched.

The torch – first proposed by Galashiels town councillor George Hope Tait in 1923 – was unveiled at the War Memorial in Galashiels last month by Valerie Gray, George Hope Tait’s granddaughter.

In a fitting and permanent tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during two World Wars, the torch lights up at 8pm each day when the chimes of ‘Braw, Braw Lads’ ring out, as suggested by Hope Tait, and serves as an emotive reminder of fallen Galaleans.

“Remembrance Sunday is an opportunity for people in Galashiels to join with others across the world to commemorate the enormous sacrifices of the two World Wars and other conflicts, but the pandemic has made that much more difficult this year,” said Bill White, chairman of Gala Remembers, who also wrote the introduction to the book.

“Acts of Remembrance, as we know them, have been limited, but it was important for us to ensure the day was appropriately marked and through the Book of Commemoration and celebration of the Border Torch, we hope that we’ve done that.”

The book also contains information on the town’s annual Festival of Remembrance and the iconic “Angel’s Wings” which appear in shadow above the war memorial’s Angel of Peace when the surrounding lights are lowered, and a teardrop sculpture unveiled in 2018, made with poppies manufactured from recycled plastic.