A plaque in memory of Sergeant John Meikle VC was unveiled today at Nitshill station in the presence of the World War One veteran’s two nephews, John and Alan Meikle.
Sergeant Meikle worked in the booking office at Nitshill until going off to serve on the Western Front, where he showed immense heroism and was killed in 1918 while trying to protect his colleagues.
The Railway Heritage Trust provided the stone memorial for permanent display at the station, with support from ScotRail and The Railway Mission, and is located in the exact spot that the old Nitshill booking office once stood.
Sgt Meikle is one of seven Great War railway veterans in Britain to be awarded the Victoria Cross military medal, and the only in Scotland.
A previous memorial in the station was removed in 1971 due to vandalism and was erected in Dingwall, where his regiment, the Seaforth Highlanders were based.
Speaking at the service, ScotRail Alliance Managing Director, Phil Verster said: “It is the most fitting tribute that this plaque stands exactly where the old booking office where John worked was.
“It’s important that we remember Sgt Meikle, but also to remember all who have lost their lives in conflict.”
Sergeant Meikle’s nephew, John added: “Our family are proud to see the plaque re-erected.
“It is a reminder to the people in the Nitshill area, what a fine and kind young man he was.”