Dreary weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the “enthusiastic” volunteers who helped clean up a historical monument in Argyll and Bute.

Organised by the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, their ‘Make a Difference Day’ took place at the Lauder Monument at Invernoaden, between Dunoon and Strachur, on Wednesday, March 27.

Volunteers showed up to improve the area by tidying up the paths and steps surrounding the monument.

Friends chair and event organiser John Urquhart said: “We had a very willing and enthusiastic group who worked extremely hard clearing the monument access paths and steps of overgrown vegetation, fallen leaves and mud which had accumulated over a period of time.”

While the area was overgrown, John was grateful to see that practically no litter was found in the area.

He also expressed his gratitude to the volunteers who donated their time to the effort.

John added: “Thankfully the litter-picking equipment was not required, there was hardly a piece of litter to be found and we could focus entirely on improving the access to the monument.

“We would like to thank the volunteers for all their hard work and the National Park Authority for helping to provide tools and equipment and supplying one of their electric vehicles for the day.”

The volunteers were also keen to repaint the railings around the monument, however the poor weather meant the task had to be postponed and arranged for a later date.

The monument was built in 1921 by the famous Scottish entertainer Sir Harry Lauder in memory of his son, Captain John Lauder, who died on a battlefield in France on December 28, 1916.

Captain Lauder was just 25 when he was shot and killed by a German sniper near Courcelette on the Somme.

You can read more about Captain Lauder, including Sir Harry's own account of his son's death, by clicking here.