Plans for memorial to British Indian Army in Glasgow approved

The plans for the memorial, which will stand near Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, were submitted on behalf of Colourful Heritage, who capture first-hand accounts from first-generation members of the South Asian community in Scotland.

The application to build the memorial has been approved by Glasgow City Council, subject to conditions.

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British Indian Army Memorial plans (Image: Shand Architecture)

These include samples of the materials for the pavilion and surrounding blocks being submitted for approval and full details of the designs and content of carvings into the stone being submitted for approval.

The memorial will feature a Chattri (Dome), pillars which will be carved creating a South Asian design, benches so people can sit and reflect, and new cherry trees will be planted.

It will be Scotland's first permanent memorial wall to recognise the service and sacrifice of more than four million soldiers of the British Indian Army.

The aim of the memorial is to represent the diversity of all Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and Gurkhas and more who fought alongside British troops during the First and Second World Wars and the special link between Scotland and Force K6, the all-Muslim Punjabi regiment that escaped from Dunkirk during World War II and made their way to Scotland. 

It also aims to represent the key values of selfless commitment and respect for others that was epitomised by Isobel Harling BEM, who looked after the Force K6 graves in Kingussie for more than 70 years.