From tiny acorns
Conscientious objectors to be commemorated in Edinburgh
Peace activists in Edinburgh hope to commemorate conscientious objectors with an oak tree and a plaque.
A 453-signature-strong petition in favour of a memorial was taken to the Petitions Committee of the City of Edinburgh Council earlier this month. Approval was unanimous.
The petition said: ‘With the centenary of the first world war, there is a feeling that there should be a memorial in Scotland’s capital city to conscientious objectors and opponents of wars which would henceforth provide a public focus for those who wish to gather to remember all those, past or present, refusing to participate in or opposing wars.’
It was presented to the council by Andrew Farrar of Central Edinburgh Meeting (representing South East Scotland Area Meeting) and Brian Larkin, Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre coordinator.
Andrew told the Friend that the next stage is to find a suitable place for the memorial.
West Princes Street Gardens would be ideal, he said. It is hoped that the memorial can be in place before the early 2016 centenary of the act that introduced conscription, the Military Service Act.
The memorial project was spearheaded by the Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre, but eleven organisations are represented on the committee. Among them are Edinburgh Quakers, the Muslim Women’s Association of Edinburgh and the Iona Community.
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