The Best Kept War Memorial competition is one of the highlights of the Legion Scotland year. The competition recognises and celebrates the tireless work of volunteers across the country to preserve and upkeep their local memorials.

This year, we are delighted to announce that a new judge has joined the panel. Patricia Keppie, who has a longstanding affiliation with the veterans and Armed Forces communities, brings years of experience to the role.

Her work as a Public Engagement Coordinator with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in the north and east of Scotland prove her passion for raising awareness of the servicepeople who are commemorated through memorials, and she has devoted her career to encouraging members of the public to better engage with Remembrance.

She says, “I’m really looking forward to joining my two colleagues for the final round of judging in the Best Kept War Memorial competition. I’m sure the standard will be very high, and I know how important our war memorials are within communities – and how much care people put in to looking after them. 

“Having worked for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Remembrance and memorials are very important to me personally, and I’m honoured to be given this role by Legion Scotland.” 

Head judge Bill Tait added, “For the first time this year, it will not be a male dominated group of judges as we welcome Patricia Keppie to our ranks. 

“I urge members to keep up the good work. It’s not just the day of judgment when the memorial and its surrounds look good. The war memorial is the main feature and what the judges look for is its cleanliness, freedom from moss and weeds and, especially in seaside locations, bird droppings.”