Menu
08/04/2009
Memorial To Murdered Scottish Soldiers Sought
There's a move underway to have a permanent memorial erected to a group of off-duty soldiers whose brutal murders shocked Northern Ireland nearly four decades ago.
The Oldpark/Cavehill branch of the Royal British Legion is a prime mover in the bid to remember the three young Scottish soldiers who were discovered shot in the back of the head by the IRA in 1971. A recent commemoration service at the scene is pictured here.
After drinking in a city centre pub, women were involved in luring the young victims to the isolated White Brae off the Ligoniel Road where they were murdered, execution style.
The deaths of the three young fusiliers - brothers John and Joseph McCaig, aged just 17 and 18, and Dougald McCaughey, aged 23 - sparked an outpouring of grief which saw workers take to the streets of Belfast to stand in silent tribute on the day of their funerals.
Now, members of the local Royal British Legion - including a Royal Highland Fusiliers soldier who served alongside the victims - are now pushing for a memorial tribute to be erected in the spot where they were found.
The group has commissioned a badge to raise funds for the project, which they hope will be in place in time for next year's memorial service.
Designed in the shape of the Scottish Soltaire, with three Scottish poppies and the traditional 'Lest We Forget' motto, the badges have proven popular within weeks of issue.
The first batch of 2,000 sold out in days and an additional batch of 2,000 were sold on pre-orders alone. A further 4,000 are now on order, with 1,400 pre-ordered.
Final drafts of the memorial are currently being drawn up and planning permission is still to be granted, but it is hoped it will take the shape of a Scottish cairn - a conical pile of stones - along with a plaque containing the details of the incident and the faces of the three men.
The group have looked into bringing in stone from Ayrshire in Scotland where the two brothers were from.
(BMcC)
The Oldpark/Cavehill branch of the Royal British Legion is a prime mover in the bid to remember the three young Scottish soldiers who were discovered shot in the back of the head by the IRA in 1971. A recent commemoration service at the scene is pictured here.
After drinking in a city centre pub, women were involved in luring the young victims to the isolated White Brae off the Ligoniel Road where they were murdered, execution style.
The deaths of the three young fusiliers - brothers John and Joseph McCaig, aged just 17 and 18, and Dougald McCaughey, aged 23 - sparked an outpouring of grief which saw workers take to the streets of Belfast to stand in silent tribute on the day of their funerals.
Now, members of the local Royal British Legion - including a Royal Highland Fusiliers soldier who served alongside the victims - are now pushing for a memorial tribute to be erected in the spot where they were found.
The group has commissioned a badge to raise funds for the project, which they hope will be in place in time for next year's memorial service.
Designed in the shape of the Scottish Soltaire, with three Scottish poppies and the traditional 'Lest We Forget' motto, the badges have proven popular within weeks of issue.
The first batch of 2,000 sold out in days and an additional batch of 2,000 were sold on pre-orders alone. A further 4,000 are now on order, with 1,400 pre-ordered.
Final drafts of the memorial are currently being drawn up and planning permission is still to be granted, but it is hoped it will take the shape of a Scottish cairn - a conical pile of stones - along with a plaque containing the details of the incident and the faces of the three men.
The group have looked into bringing in stone from Ayrshire in Scotland where the two brothers were from.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2006
George Best memorial plans underway
The development of a lasting memorial for soccer legend George Best is underway, following the establishment of a working group who will consider ideas and make recommendations on the way forward.
George Best memorial plans underway
The development of a lasting memorial for soccer legend George Best is underway, following the establishment of a working group who will consider ideas and make recommendations on the way forward.
02 February 2006
Diana Awards to be launched in Northern Ireland
An award for Young People will be officially launched in Belfast tomorrow. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award has been created to celebrate the innate qualities, courage, commitment, compassion and selfless service to others.
Diana Awards to be launched in Northern Ireland
An award for Young People will be officially launched in Belfast tomorrow. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award has been created to celebrate the innate qualities, courage, commitment, compassion and selfless service to others.
20 November 2024
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
19 November 2024
Three Arrested In Connection With £250,000 Drug Seizure
Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit have made a significant drug seizure, arresting three individuals and recovering approximately £250,000 worth of suspected Class B controlled drugs. The arrests were made on Monday, 18 November, following a series of operations.
Three Arrested In Connection With £250,000 Drug Seizure
Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit have made a significant drug seizure, arresting three individuals and recovering approximately £250,000 worth of suspected Class B controlled drugs. The arrests were made on Monday, 18 November, following a series of operations.
30 September 2024
PSNI Chief Constable Attends National Police Memorial Day
The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Jon Boutcher, has attended the National Police Memorial Day in Glasgow. During the event, he met with widows and families of PSNI and Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross recipients who had tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
PSNI Chief Constable Attends National Police Memorial Day
The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Jon Boutcher, has attended the National Police Memorial Day in Glasgow. During the event, he met with widows and families of PSNI and Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross recipients who had tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
