Organisers of the project to install a permanent memorial to an Angus rail crash are inviting people to help compose the wording for the plaque.
Tragedy struck at Elliot rail junction in Arbroath on December 28 1906 when the Edinburgh-bound North British Express careered into the back of a stationary Caledonian Railway train.
A total of 13 people were killed instantly but the death toll eventually increased to 22, including Liberal MP Alexander William Black.
The move to erect the memorial was instigated by Arbroath man Jim Millar, whose great-great uncle, Dev Cargill rushed to the crash site to help the injured.
The campaign took a substantial step forward recently thanks to the donation of a memorial stone by the Geddes Group.
Mr Millar said, “Thanks to the help from Councillor David Fairweather and Councillor David Lumgair, council officers, the Geddes Group and encouragement from quite a number of people, I think we are on the final straight.
“Although there is still a lot to do, we have an agreement for a base to be supplied, a suitable stone, and positive discussions regarding potential locations have been held.
“As we move forward, I think we can now start to look at appropriate wording for the memorial.
“Given the amount of literary talent we have among the Red Lichtie community at home and abroad, I would like to extend an invitation for people to suggest a form of words for the memorial plaque.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think space would allow the victims to be individually named, however I believe it is important that significant details, and the scale of the tragedy are conveyed in the memorial text, and this is where we are looking for help.”
The call was backed by Arbroath independent councillor David Fairweather who has supported the project since its inception.
He said “I am delighted that more than 100 years since this tragedy, we are finally close to seeing an appropriate memorial being erected to those who were killed and injured in the event.
“I know there are some excellent wordsmiths out there, and I would invite people to reflect on the tragedy, and suggest a text for the plaque.
“Suggestions can be sent to me directly, and each one will be given serious consideration.”
Mr Millar’s great-great uncle ran from his home in South Street to Elliot junction when word reached the town of a devastating rail disaster.
The rescue effort saw ‘Dev’ working in ice in the hot train. He caught a serious chill and he died shortly afterwards aged just 32.
The star footballer played both back and half back and was described as an “invincible tackler” who “regards nothing as impossible”.