A MORAY WIDE search in attics and cupboards is being sought in the search for local memorabilia from the First World War.
An open event is being held in Keith on October 24 – the latest in a series that marks the centenary of the conflict in which thousands of servicemen from communities throughout the region fought – many losing their lives.
At the Keith event posters, artefacts, photographs and newspapers from 1914-1918 will be on display – while locally-based experts Derek Bird and Jill Stewart will also be there to answer questions or give advice on tracing ancestry.
Also on show will be a collection of WW1 weapons that visitors will be allowed to handle, getting an idea of the struggles faced by soldiers. The event is part of Moray’s War, an initiative that seeks to develop a comprehensive record of Moray and its people from the war years.
Previous events included medals, weapons and even mustard gas jars brought along by local people who had them handed down through the generations – still to be found hidden away in homes.
Clare Russell, Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, said the Keith event was an important opportunity to add to what was already known about the involvement in the Great War by the people of Morayshire and what was then part of Banffshire.
She said: “I would encourage everyone to give their support by attending the event on October 24 and by looking out material relevant to that time.
“Moray’s War already has a great deal of information but there is so much more to discover and collect.”
Moray Council’s libraries service is co-ordinating Moray’s War and all libraries will welcome inquiries or contributions to help build the Moray’s War resource, more information on which can be found at www.scotlandswar.ed.ac.uk/moray.