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A new trail has been launched to encourage people to visit the key war memorials in each Angus town.

The leaflet has been published as part of Angus Heritage Week’s commemorations of the start of the First World War.

The World War 1 Trail was launched by historian Dr Dan Paton and archivist Craig Pearson at the Arbroath War Memorial in Dundee Road.

“The World War 1 Trail will encourage and enable people to visit the war memorials that are located across Angus,” said Dr Dan Paton, who is the curator of Montrose Air Station, which played a vital part in the First World War.

“War memorials with their lists of names carved into stone are a stark reminder of the sacrifice of human life in war.

“It is appropriate that we remember and commemorate those who left their homes and families and did not return.

“The First World War was a horrendous conflict that shaped the world that we live in today.

“It is important that young people understand how it affected their family and their community.

“The World War 1 Trail will help increase awareness of the human cost of war and how the deaths of so many must have touched communities throughout Angus.”

Craig Pearson, an archivist at Angus Archives who is involved in coordinating the local contribution to Scotland’s War Project, said the conflict left its mark on every town, village, community and family in the county.

He added: “Following the World War 1 Trail or simply visiting one of the war memorials featured in the leaflet will help to bring this highly significant part of our history to life, while also ensuring those who died continue to be remembered.”

As well as the many other historic, cultural or traditional events taking place during Angus Heritage Week, a series of special events will be held to commemorate the start of the First World War, including, on Wednesday, a talk at the Gateway To The Glens Museum in Kirriemuir about the history of the 5th (Angus) Black Watch Battalion in the First World War.

“Angus Heritage Week’s excellent contribution to the nationwide commemorations of the start of the First World War highlight the importance the people of our county place on honouring those who fall in battle,” said Angus Provost Helen Oswald.

“The Angus war memorials are a constant, and touching, reminder of the debt we all owe these men and women. One century on, we must not forget them.”

Up until September 12, a wide range of events, activities and exhibitions will take place to celebrate the county’s history, heritage, traditions and culture. The full programme can be found at www.angusheritage.com/heritageweek