A number of events will be held in Campbeltown next week to commemorate World War One, with particular focus on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Loos.

The first event has been organised by the WW1 Commemoration Steering Group – the Battle of Loos Sub Group, and will take place at the New Quay Head, Campbeltown, on Wednesday 23rd September at 6pm by 'Beating the Retreat'. The Kintyre Schools Pipe Band and Campbeltown Brass will be involved and an appropriate selection of music has been written especially for the event.

Argyll and Bute Council has then arranged for Yvonne McEwan from Edinburgh University to provide people with a talk about the Scotland’s War Website in Campbeltown Library on Friday 25th September at 7pm.

As well as leading this interesting and innovative project, Yvonne is also an expert in family and military history.  The following day (Saturday 26th September) people in Kintyre are therefore invited to take along their family stories, artefacts and photos from the Great War to the library between 10am and 1pm where Yvonne will provide help in identifying items, advise you how to find free information online and much, much more.

Saturday will also see a large scale exhibition in the Victoria Hall between 10.30am and 4pm that will not only commemorate the terrible sacrifice of the Battle of Loos but will also make references to the contributions of Campbeltown and Kintyre during the First World War.

The story of the Battle of Loos will be outlined in maps, displays and sound and visual presentations. Photo displays, courtesy of Campbeltown Heritage Centre, and extracts from the McGrory Collection will also give an insight into peoples' lives during that period.

Community groups have kindly contributed items and memorabilia relating to their own areas and pupils from Campbeltown Grammar and local primary schools will also have work on display relating to the Great War. Members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony at which tributes to those who lost their lives will be led by the Reverend Philip Wallace.

The Council’s Policy Lead for Community and Culture, Councillor Robin Currie, said: “These events in Campbeltown are a wonderful way to mark the centenary of the First World War and remember those who sacrificed their lives for our country.

“There are many people who have artefacts, photographs and various other memorabilia from World War One that have been passed on to them down the generations. Many of these people are unsure of the history of these items and Yvonne’s visit is the perfect opportunity for people with these things to go along and find out their story.”