War Memorial, Inveraray

Tonight, across Europe, we are being encouraged to put the lights out between 10 - 11 pm, to remember when Britain declared war on Germany, at 11 pm on 4 August 1914. A number of visitors to the memorial this evening, which won The Royal British Legion Scotland Award for the Best Kept Memorial in 2013.

Anthem for Doomed Youth - Wilfred Owen
What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
— Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells;
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,—
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.

What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.

A kilted Highland soldier wearing a Tam O'Shanter, standing at ease with rifle on a high, square, plinth of stones. There are 70 names listed from the two world wars. The memorial was first unveiled in 1922 by the Duke of Argyll; the sculptor - Kellock Brown.

A day visiting ancient sites in Kilmartin Glen - stone slabs, stone circles, grave mounds, and a climb up to the top of Dunadd, where the Kings of Dalriada were crowned. It was like Sauchiehall Street up there, so many nationalities, some with Commonwealth Games attire.

A stop beside the Crinan Canal, Cairnbaan, to watch a boat go through Lock 5, before heading north to Inveraray. A meal at The George. Artichoke, Peppers and Aubergine starter, followed by Pork Cheek with Mash and Green peas. We have certainly enjoyed many delicious meals on our trip.

Backblipped my entry for yesterday of the Caledonian Canal.