By Stewart Ross

A PERMANENT memorial to the people of Glenrothes who have been killed on active service has taken a step forward with £120,000 of funding approved by Fife Council—but there is a problem.

As it was only established in 1948, Glenrothes is unlike other Fife towns which have a war memorial to remember the fallen of the first world war and which have been added to as conflicts ensued.

It is known men from Glenrothes served in Korea, Malaya, Northern Ireland and the Falklands but those who fell during these conflicts are remembered only by their comrades and their families—there is no list.

The need for a memorial was thrown into sharp relief by the loss of young Black Watch soldiers Marc Ferns (21) and Scott McArdle (22), who died in Iraq in 2004.

In the wake of the tragedies, councillors, ex-servicemen and veterans’ groups stepped up their demand for some sort of poignant reminder, where locals could pay their respects to townsfolk who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Fife Council organised a questionnaire which was sent to libraries, schools and local authority offices to gauge people’s views of what form the tribute should take and where it should be located.

A cairn in memory of Marc Ferns has been built alongside the Exit Community Centre in Pitteuchar where he lived but there was widespread public support for a memorial to all Glenrothes war casualties.

Following consultation with the public and veterans’ groups three designs were shortlisted with the chosen design representing past, present and future.

The memorial will feature six standing stones in a landscaped site in Church Street with seating and illumination.

With Fife Council cash in place—local groups have generously played their part as well—all that is needed are the names.

“Unfortunately the only names we have at present are those of Marc and Scott,” said Lynn Hoey, locality manager for Glenrothes north and west.

“We have spoken to the Ministry of Defence but due to the way they record casualties they have been unable to help.

“This is a chance to commemorate those from Glenrothes who lost their lives in conflicts so we would be happy to hear from anyone who can help.”

Anyone able to help in the quest for Glenrothes casualties should contact 01592 416808.