Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has welcomed the establishment of the Centenary Memorials Restoration Fund. The Mid Scotland & Fife MSP is encouraging local community councils and community groups to submit applications to the fund which will allow communities across Scotland to carry out maintenance of memorials as part of the 100th anniversary of the First World War.There are estimated to be between 5,000 to 6,000 memorials to the war dead across Scotland.Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said: “Every Scottish family will have had a family member who has fought for their country in the First World War. The men who gave their lives in the Great War will remain heroes forever. The last British Veteran has now died but their bravery and suffering must never be forgotten. “I have lobbied the Scottish Government to help support the work of local communities, community councils and the Royal British Legion. I very much welcome the £1 million which has now been made available to help support work to preserve our war memorial heritage. “I have already provided information to supported communities such Strathmiglo in Fife in seeking information on memorial refurbishment ahead of the commemorations in 2014. I hope that other community councils will look to what refurbishment or local WWI Memorials is need within their communities.“I hope that the new fund will help people in communities across Scotland to continue to pay their respects to those who fell during conflict through the upkeep of local war memorials.” ENDS Notes to Editors: Please find attached related information:Historic Scotland has supported the sensitive conservation and repair of war memorials in Scotland since 2008 through a dedicated grant scheme administered by the War Memorials Trust (WMT) The creation of this new fund, which is open now, will allow communities across Scotland to carry out maintenance of memorials as part the 100th anniversary of the First World War.Any enquiries about grants should be sent to Historic Scotland Investment Team at Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH 9 ASH. Tel: 0131 668 8801; email: hs.grants@scotland.gsi.gov.ukThe funding will be available over the course of the four year centenary commemorations from 2014-18 to allow communities to choose the best time to restore their war memorials, from the start of commemorations in August 2014 until Armistice Day 2018.The Scottish Government is working with a range of military and veterans' organisations, cultural bodies, education groups and the UK Government on a range of proposals to commemorate the centenary of World War 1 to ensure Scotland plays its full part in the activities being planned across the UK. Further plans will be announced in due course.