A project that seeks to reveal and record Scottish people’s experiences during World War I has received a major funding award.
The Scotland’s War initiative has been awarded £75,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to help develop the project across the country.
The fund will allow it to paint a fuller picture of the country’s contribution to the 1914-1918 conflict and support the creation of a public national digital archive.
The initiative, organised by Edinburgh University, began in 2008 and initially focused on the capital’s involvement in the war.
But its reach is being extended thanks to the involvement of more than 20 councils, the National Library of Scotland and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Project director Yvonne McEwen, of Edinburgh University’s school of history, classics and archaeology, said: “The award will help us to reveal the stories hidden across Scotland, which will enable us to preserve and share a richer heritage of Scotland’s War.
“This year’s centenary offers an appropriate time to bring together stories and personal documents before they are lost.
“We look forward to discovering more remarkable tales which serve to remind us of the incredible contributions our relations made to the war effort.”
The HLF-funded project will focus on exploring Scotland’s war on the home and fighting fronts.
Colin McLean, head of HLF Scotland, said “World War I changed the face of modern history touching the lives of everyone in this country and beyond which is why we are committed to helping people explore the continuing legacy of this conflict.
“Scotland’s War will investigate the impact the conflict had on the country though personal histories and connections.
“It will safeguard this precious heritage for future generations while helping people broaden their understanding of how the war shaped the modern world.”