Anger at 'violation' of VJ commemoration in Newtonmore

Feelings are running high among villagers in Badenoch after the national flag, hoisted to salute the end of World War II, was cut down and stolen over the weekend.

Local British Legion (Scotland) spokesperson Billy Boyle was one of those who contacted the Strathy to register their 'distaste and disappointment' at the theft from the rarely-erected flagpole at Newtonmore's War Memorial.

"It was a terrible shock and an awful thing to happen at this incredibly special time," said Mr Boyle.

"We can't really believe it's happened here."

He explained that the flagpole had been erected on Friday by village representative Rob Ritchie, so that his brother Willie could then hoist the Union flag in readiness for a weekend's quiet commemoration of those who paid the ultimate price for achieving world peace in 1945.

"Willie duly did the job and the flag was flying in good time. There were no special services or anything planned, just a respectful marking of the 75th anniversary of the historic ending of the second war."

But, like others, he was astonished to learn on Sunday that what has been described by other villagers as a violation of the act of remembrance had taken place at some point over the weekend.

"It was certainly an attack and not the weather or anything. Someone had cut through the halyard, taking both the rope and the flag away with them. It's such a distasteful act, especially given the occasion.

"The flag is only hoisted on very rare, special occasions and they don't come much more special than VJ 75."

Anyone with information on the attack at the memorial, which sits proudly just above the Village Hall in Newtonmore, should contact the community council through Mr Ritchie or drop a discreet email to the Strathy.

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