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SVR celebrates completion of memorial restoration

Scottish Veterans Residences marked a proud and historic day on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, when the charity unveiled the newly-restored SVR Memorial in Eastern Cemetery, and held a poignant rededication ceremony.

Following some stirring words from the Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, Rev Neil Gardner of Canongate Kirk, and SVR Chief Executive Martin Nadin, a lament was played by Fusilier Peter Clements of 2 Scots, The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The £40,000 restoration, completed in time for Remembrance Day, was made possible thanks to donations and grants as part of SVR’s successful Project Heritage appeal, and we thank everyone who has helped make it happen, including the skilled conservation team who restored the 7 x 2 metre memorial to its former glory.

The memorial carries the names of 220 Veterans who lived at Whitefoord House between 1910 and 1948, and the ceremony was an opportunity to remember them, their service, and those who have followed them.

It was heart-warming to see so many residents, former residents, trustees, supporters, and members of the Armed Forces and Veterans community at the ceremony and then back at an informal gathering in Whitefoord House. 

Project Heritage was initially launched in April 2025 to save the memorial in Eastern Cemetery, Leith, after it had fallen into a state of disrepair, and was in danger of toppling over. 

Erected shortly after the establishment of SVR in 1910, the sandstone and bronze memorial commemorates Veterans who lived their final years at Whitefoord House on the Royal Mile and died between 1917 and 1948. It features 11 bronze panels and five intricately carved motifs, all meticulously conserved to protect their historical and cultural significance.

The delicate restoration involved dismantling the structure, stabilising and treating each bronze plaque, rebuilding the stone wall, and reinstating the plaques with new fixings faithful to the original design. The work ensures this important landmark remains a lasting tribute to those it commemorates and a proud part of the city’s heritage.

While SVR has raised more than £30,000 towards the restoration project, donations from individuals, grant-makers or corporate supporters, would still be most welcome. The appeal page is live at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/projectheritage

• Pictures by Sandy Young: https://www.scottishphotographer.com/

WATCH STV’S COVERAGE OF THE CEREMONY @ 
https://news.stv.tv/v/scotlands-oldest-veterans-memorial-restored-after-campaign