ON SUNDAY October 2, 1921, a memorial was erected near the Lychgate in Tullibody to commemorate the men killed during World War I from both Tullibody and nearby Cambus.

It was unveiled by Sir F J Davies, KCB, KCMG, KCVO.

The base on which the memorial stands was known as Samson’s Button, a local legend stating that Samson threw it there from the top of Dumyat.

The stone above this base, measuring around seven feet tall, represented the old standing stone of Tullibody which had been demolished more than a century before and used in making local roads. A brass plate was inserted containing the 27 names of the fallen. At the Lychgate, at the entrance, were the 158 names of the men in the district who had fought in the war.

At its unveiling, General Davies spoke of these men, stating that the memorial was the least they could do in their honour in giving the ultimate sacrifice.

He hoped the memorial would never be neglected and implored parents to tell their children what it stood for. He also wanted it to be an inspiration for the young men of Tullibody and Cambus.

Walter Erskine, the Earl of Mar and Kellie, attended the unveiling and gave thanks to the general.

He also explained that he wanted it to be known that the ground on which it stood had been gifted by Major Kennedy Tullis.

Tullis was connected to John Tullis & Son, the tanners in the village, who had also had the idea of having the Celtic cross on the front face.

In later years more names were added. These were for those who lost their lives in World War II. In all 16 men from the district died in that conflict.

The original plaque was removed many years ago but was replaced in 2013 thanks to the endeavours of the local Tullibody Community Council, the Tullibody History Group, and the Royal British Legion Scotland.

The two plaques were unveiled in a special ceremony by Provost Tina Murphy.

In 2017 the memorial, known locally as the Haer Stane, was damaged by spray paint and the damage discovered on November 10, the day before Armistice Day. It was quickly cleaned by Clackmannanshire Council.

As for Major Tullis, he continued his interest in the upkeep of the memorial and during World War II, he was appointed second-in-command of the Clackmannanshire Battalion of the Home Guard. He died in August 1945, aged 62.