THE Kilwinning War Memorial has been rated as one of the finest in Scotland by a panel of experts.

The monument was highly commended in the Champions of Champions Category after a nation-wide review as judges from Legion Scotland travelled the country inspecting memorials.

They commented on Kilwinning's excellent lettering, cleanliness and metalwork. The condition of paths, seating, hedges and borders and planters surround the monument were also given the thumbs-up.

The memorial was again the hub of the recent Remembrance Day service as Kilwinning and the rest of North Ayrshire paid their respects to our war heroes.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “We have some outstanding war memorials across North Ayrshire and Kilwinning has one of the best.

“War memorials are a vital part of our communities. They give us all a chance to remember the past and the efforts and sacrifices made by men and women.

“We can never forget them and it’s important we take pride in our war memorials as it reflects the massive sense of pride we have towards the people they represent.

“Our war memorial in Kilwinning does just that and I’m delighted that the efforts of our teams have been recognised.”