New memorial honours four Victoria Cross heroes linked to Maryhill Barracks

A Glasgow community has celebrated its historic military ties with a new memorial honouring four Victoria Cross recipients.

Henry McLaren, chair of Central Maryhill Community Council, has long wanted to pay tribute to the history of the Wyndford housing estate, whose tower blocks were named after the soldiers.

Built on the barracks

The Wyndford estate was built on the site of Maryhill Barracks, once home to the Highland Light Infantry and the Royal Highland Fusiliers.

The Victorian barracks were built in 1872 and decommissioned in the 1960s, when the site was given over to social housing. The barracks' original wall and gate are still standing.

In March 2025, four of the estate's towers were demolished as part of the ongoing regeneration of the area.

Four names remembered

After reforming the community council, Mr McLaren and fellow members looked for a way to continue the legacy of the soldiers whose names the flattened towers had carried.

The lives of Lieutenant William M. M. Edwards, Private George Rodgers, Major General Frank G. Blaker and Brigadier General Alexander G. Hore-Ruthven have now been given a permanent tribute.

"Something to be proud of"

Mr McLaren told the Glasgow Times the memorial was a legacy to the barracks and all the military personnel who served there.

"We are recognising that and the people who had Victoria Cross," he said. "Whatever it happens to be in about 60 or 70 years' time, that's still going to be there. It's something to be proud of."

Ahead of Remembrance Sunday

The memorial has been unveiled as communities across Glasgow prepare for Remembrance Sunday, when services will be held at war memorials across the city, including the Cenotaph in George Square.

The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy in the British armed forces.