The work to clean the statue and the area surrounding the memorial was carried out on a voluntary basis by local company the Paterson Group.

Jamie Paterson, Managing Director of the Paterson Group, who is the great, great, grandson of the founder, explained: “The statue was originally erected by J Paterson and Sons, Builders in 1921.  The business was started by James Paterson in 1870 and the family have continued to operate in the building industry to this day. 

“This year marks 150 year since that original business was founded and it was the wish of my family, and the current business, to mark that in some way. 

“We came up with the idea of restoring the memorial and we felt it was important to mark its 100th anniversary since it was erected. 

“These memorials serve as a focal point for communities and now more than ever that can be much needed.”

Local councillor Jim Reddin said: “This is a wonderful gesture by the Paterson family, which will last for years to come. The refurbishment has been done to a high standard and it’s looking really good."

The memorial commemorates the men of Holytown district who fell in the great wars and the Korean War.

It features a kilted soldier on a tapering plinth and stepped base, constructed in Killembreck granite by Glasgow firm Messer Scott & Rae sculptures and built by local building firm James Paterson and Son in 1921.