PTSD Memorial Unveiled

The Incorporation of Masons of Glasgow having responded to an appeal from the Barrhead Waterworks Voluntary Group chairperson James McEwan for funding to erect a memorial in remembrance of those citizens and ex- service personnel who have succumbed and passed on due to the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Deacon John Brown and Past Deacon Gordon Weetch met initially with James, and following a meeting with James our Master Court graciously approved the funding to get a memorial incorporating a planter/seat erected. We commissioned Josephine Crossland a prominent sculptor to carve the commemoration stones with a style of lettering specifically devised by herself and incorporating the Incorporation of Masons of Glasgow Shields. Josephine had previously been awarded a scholarship from the Incorporation of Masons of Glasgow to attend a course in London to achieve the lettering skills.

During the construction of the memorial Deacon John was assisted by 4 student stonemasons, Thomas Lamington, Ronan Evans, Joseph Purcell and Mason Young ,  from City of Glasgow College who required site evidence of building ashlar walling as part of their onsite portfolio of evidence, since their progress had faltered due to the national lockdowns in industry and Covid restrictions.
Provost Jim Fletcher of East Renfrewshire Council was very supportive in accepting to unveil the memorial on 24 August on behalf of the citizens of Barrhead and East Renfrewshire and as Armed Forces Champion for that area reinforced the need for funding and care for those suffering from this horrible illness.

Ken Dalgleish Deacon Convener of the Trades House of Glasgow closed the proceedings with an explanation of the charitable works carried out by the Trades House and the 14 Incorporated trades, concurring with the tributes made by the Provost. The Incorporation of Masons of Glasgow is deeply honoured to have been able to gift this memorial to the community of Barrhead and East Renfrewshire.