A comprehensive record of the impact on Moray and its people of World War 1 is the ultimate aim of a project being led by the region’s library service.
The ‘Moray’s War Project’ is seeking assistance form communities and individuals throughout Moray who they hope will be able to contribute by collecting and researching information over a variety of themes.
Moray’s War Project will form part of a programme of commemoration that will span the next four years – marking the centenary of the first war.
Involved in the project is community librarian Jane Thomas, who said: “Collectively this work will create a comprehensive Moray’s War section on the Scotland’s War website.
“It is co-ordinated by Edinburgh University and contribute to exhibitions and events throughout the four-and-a-half years of the initiative.
“What is important is that the story of life in Moray during the war is collected alongside the stories of the conflict and the sacrifices that were made.”
Volunteers are being sought who are able to devote time to collect and research information on a variety of themes including the home front, the fighting front, casualties, communications and remembrance – and that in turn will contain a range of topics such as industry, war hospitals, transport, rolls of honour and war memorials.
Moray’s War are also seeking help from people willing to share family photographs, stories, diaries, medals, documents and other memorabilia. Originals will be scanned or photographed and returned immediately.
A Moray’s War website will be launched in August and a roadshow, where people can get free information, bring artefacts and tell their family’s stories, will be held at Elgin library on Saturday, September 6 and in other communities across Moray later in the year.
Anyone who would like to volunteer for the project or who has a story to tell should contact Mrs Thomas on 01343 562619 or e-mail morayswar@moray.gov.uk