Loch Doon Memorial Woodland

Remembering Helen: A Special Day at the Memorial Woodland

Honouring Helen

On May 3, Helen's ashes were laid to rest in the Memorial Woodland by her parents, Doug and Sandra Pierce, along with their family. Helen loved this part of Loch Doon, and her spirit will continue to bring blessings on this beautiful place.

A Special Ceremony

The ceremony was led by Jim Todd, the Provost of East Ayrshire, who not only made the event extra special but also officially opened the Woodland. Three Scots Pines were generously donated by Jim Todd, which will grow into Helen's grove.

A Welcome Guest ...

The Pierce family and Loch Doon residents were also joined by Drax Galloway and Lanark Hydros Manager Martin McGhie. Martin was a very welcome guest. The Memorial Woodland was made possible by Drax, the power company, who allowed us to use this area. Councillor Drew Filson and Loch Doon Ranger Alan McDowall also joined us to help make sure everything went smoothly.

... and a Perfect Ending

The event concluded with refreshments at the Roundhouse Osprey Lounge,with many thanks to the owner Brian Meechan for opening up especially for this occasion. It was a fitting end to a special day of remembrance for Helen.

Preparations

Alan McDowall and Drew Filson were busy preparing the site for the ceremony a couple of days earlier, making sure everything was perfect for Helen's memorial.

Martin McGhie, Brian Meechan and Jim Todd

Councilor Filson, the Provost, Sandra & Doug Pierce, and Alan McDowall - plus three lovely wee Scots Pines.

The Pierce family, with the Provost Jim Todd.

Another memory to treasure - the Provost presenting a book of Burns' poems to Doug and Sandra.

... for Helen's memorial.

Preparing the site ...

Thanks to a grant from the Dalmellington Parish Development Trust we have been able to take a real step forward with developing the Loch Doon Memorial Woodland. The grant has made it possible for us to greatly increase the number of trees, effectively doubling the previous amount. We have also been able to includes a wider variety of native trees and shrubs, which in future can only enhance environmental value of the planting. The atmosphere of the entire area has already been greatly improved, creating a more serene environment. Even during the tree planting we received numerous positive comments from visitors. And we continue to receive them.

Looking ahead, in just a few years, the value added by this growth will extend beyond the woodland itself, benefiting the surrounding area and community as well.

Thank you to the Dalmellington Parish Community Trust!

A big thank you to the Dalmellington Parish Community Trust!

The Memorial Woodland - taking shape

This March, a total of 150 mixed native trees and shrubs, including oak, Scots pine, willow, cherry, blackthorn, and hawthorn, have been planted at the Woodland. The planting efforts will continue in the coming days.

In early May, the Loch Doon Memorial Woodland will be officially inaugurated. The event will be graced by the presence of our Provost, Jim Todd, who will oversee the planting of three Scots pines. These trees hold a special significance as they are being planted by two residents in memory of their daughter, Helen. Helen was a lovely young lady who tragically lost her life last year after bravely fighting a fatal illness for many years. The memorial woodland will serve as a lasting tribute to her memory.April

East Ayrshire Provost Jim Todd (left) with a resident Doonie.

The Loch Doon Memorial Woodland

The Loch Doon Memorial Woodland is a project that was initiated by our Local Councillor, Drew Filson. It began in March 2023 with the planting of the first trees, a task carried out by Drew alongside Francis McCaughey. Notably, Francis is a horticultural lecturer at Ayrshire College and played a crucial role in growing the trees. This initiative was undertaken with the intention of creating a fitting tribute and memorial space for the community. Through the combined efforts of Drew and Francis, the Memorial Woodland is set to flourish into a beautiful and serene area, providing solace and remembrance for years to come.

Drew Filson

East Ayrshire Independent Councillor - founder of the Loch Doon Memorial Woodland.