Sand from beaches in Moray will be taken to France next month to remember 10 men who died during the same day of fighting in the First World War.
The soldiers from Lossiemouth and Hopeman were all members of the 6th Seaforth Highlanders at the Battle of Arras in France.
It is estimated that nearly 300,000 people died on both sides during the attacks which lasted for more than a month.
Now wreaths made by Lossiemouth High School students will be laid on each of their war graves next month to remember their sacrifices.
And sand from the Moray coastline that the soldiers called home will also be taken to the Highland Cemetery at Roclincourt to be scattered on the ground there.
James Stewart, from Lossiemouth, yesterday visited the town’s high school to see the tributes that have been created to remember his uncle, Sergeant Alexander Stewart.
He said: “He was actually in the battle with my father James and my uncle George. They survived and actually retrieved his body to make sure he received a proper burial.
“I’ve been out to his grave myself. I think it’s marvellous that the students have done this to remember him.
“Sometimes the stories can be lost over time but by doing this they are keeping them alive.”
Students created the poppy tributes for the soldiers by recycling swimming pool floats and attaching handmade flowers.
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The 10 men from Lossiemouth and Hopeman all died during the first day of the battle for the city on the Western Front.
Derek Bird, chairman of the North Scotland branch of the Western Front Association, will lay the wreaths while in France for Remembrance Sunday.
Fionna Shearer, principal art teacher at the school, is preparing more tributes to remember the contribution the area made to the conflict.
Rocks bearing the name of soldiers who fell will be spread across the town in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday before being gathered at the war memorial.
She said: “These men made the ultimate sacrifice for us so it’s only right that we remember them by ensuring they remain part of the community.”
Lossiemouth High School is hosting a service of remembrance on Friday, November 9 from 10am to noon that is open to the public to pay their respects.
