The centenary of the Quintinshill rail disaster will be commemorated in Gretna Green on Friday 22 May 2015.
HRH The Princess Royal will attend some of the commemorative events. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP will also be present. Dumfries and Galloway Council representatives will include Leader Ronnie Nicholson and Armed Forces Champion Councillor Archie Dryburgh.
The Quintinshill rail disaster on 22 May 1915 claimed 227 lives, including 216 servicemen of The Royal Scots as they headed for Gallipoli. Another 246 people were injured. The train crash, near Gretna, remains the UK’s worst rail disaster.
Council Leader Ronnie Nicholson said, “As we commemorate the events in World War 1, it’s important that we take time to respectfully mark the centenary of this momentous event, which took place in our region. Our Council is working with local communities and a range of appropriate organisations to deliver a fitting tribute.”
The programme of events includes a march to Quintinshill rail siding; the unveiling of a Roll of Honour at Gretna Old Parish Church; a commemorative tree planting at Gretna Green war memorial; the premiere reading of the Quintinshill poem at Stormont village hall; and an Act of Remembrance and wreath laying at Quintinshill Bridge.
Timetable
1025 – Parade forms, memorial cairn, behind the Blacksmith’s Shop, Headless Cross, Gretna Green DG16 5EA
1100 – Ecumenical service and wreath laying, Royal Scots memorial cairn
1140 – Quintinshill poem reading, Stormont Village Hall
1200 – Unveiling of Roll of Honour, Gretna Old Parish Church
1210 – Tree planting, War Memorial
1220 – History of event and Act of Remembrance, Last Post, 1 minute silence, 3 volleys, and wreath laying, Quintinshill Bridge*
http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/90426/details/quintinshill+bridge/
* Please note that, due to space and safety issues (this is small operational Network Rail site through which high speed trains pass) the general public will NOT be able to access the event at this site.
Car Parking
Please note that no designated parking area has been identified on site. Anyone attending the events will need plenty of time for travelling, parking and walking to the venue.
Public parking is available at:
• Greens at Gretna First Hotel in Scotland, Sarkfoot Road, Gretna DG16 5EP
• Gretna Gateway overflow car park, Glasgow Road, Gretna DG16 5GG
• Halcrow Stadium, Annan Road, Gretna DG16 5DN
