Lauder Monument Restoration and Rededication

Remember the Lauder Variety Show on 12th May 2017? We did such a good job of it that the Workshop was asked to help organise an event to commemorate the restoration and rededication of the Capt. John Lauder Monument, Invernoaden by Strachur.

The restoration was a £25,000 project, coordinated by conservation charity, Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. It also involved the creation of a new car park, along with a new path link, upgrading an existing steep path with stone steps and safety railings and installing two story boards and advance signs.

I’m pleased to say there was a large turnout to mark the 102nd anniversary of the death of Captain John Lauder, who was shot and killed in France, and to mark the restoration and rededication of the Lauder Monument at Invernoaden on the Cowal Peninsula, which was originally unveiled in 1921 by world-famous entertainer Sir Harry Lauder in memory of his son.

Local school youngsters contributed to the commemorative event with a series of their original drawings adorning the ornate railings around the monument. Several community groups had knitted poppies to commemorate the end of the First World War and these also adorned the railings. Gabriella Montgomery and Pippa MacLellan read a poignant letter and poem and Jamie Campbell and Rebecca Paterson played musical tributes on the bagpipes. Alison Duncan led the singing of ‘Keep Right On’

There was also a wreath laying by Major Donald Maclauchlan and a rededication of the monument by Rev Dr Robin Mackenzie.

This was followed by the unveiling of a new storyboard beside the monument by Mike Russell MSP and a rendition of Harry Lauder’s famous song ‘Keep Right On To The End Of The Road’ which he wrote in memory of his son.

Friends chairman James Fraser said: ‘’We were delighted with the large turnout at today’s special commemorative event which also marked the completion of a major effort by our charity, contractors and many volunteers to restore the Monument and its approaches. The tragic story associated with the monument was very appropriately brought to life by a number of very talented local youngsters at today’s ceremony, and a series of permanent new storyboards will ensure that visitors to the site in the future will have a greater understanding of the story of Captain John Lauder and the strong Lauder family connections with the Cowal area.’’

Thanks to all who took part.