HMP GLENOCHIL has been recognised for efforts to ensure its war memorial is maintained in good condition.

Almost 100 war memorials throughout the country battled it out across several categories in Legion Scotland's annual Best Kept War Memorial event.

And last week, during a special ceremony at Edinburgh Council City Chambers, Glenochil Prison received an award in the Satellite Memorial Without Gardens category.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service said: "We have a number of veterans in our care who are delighted to win this prize which helps to raise awareness and also marks respect."

The competition, which this year received 99 entries, serves to foster public awareness of war memorials, and to encourage a high standard of continuing maintenance by local authorities.

Legion Scotland aims to promote this through its areas and branches by working closer with local people to encourage memorial garden maintenance.

This year, Carnoustie was named the winner of the Champion of Champions category.

The other winners included Forres in the Large Community with Gardens category; Carmyllie of Greystone in the Satellite Memorial with Gardens category; Lossiemouth in the Memorial without Gardens category; Ballater in the Small Community with Gardens category and Dingwall in the New Entry category.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Legion Scotland chief executive, said: "We congratulate all of today's winners as well as all of the other war memorials that entered this year's competition.

"The standard we have seen in 2019 has been nothing short of outstanding.

"The continued interest in the Best Kept War Memorial competition and the countless hours dedicated to their upkeep underlines that remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country remains as important and relevant as ever."

Graeme Dey, veterans minister, added: "War memorials are places of remembrance; a lasting tribute to our fallen Servicemen and Servicewomen who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defending our freedoms.

"Indeed, every war memorial in Scotland stands as a constant reminder of how much we all owe our veterans and their families, past and present."