Renfrewshire pays tribute to the fallen with weekend of remembrance

Communities across Renfrewshire have paid tribute to those lost while serving with the Armed Forces as services took place to mark Remembrance Sunday and 100 years since the end of the First World War.

The standard bearers line the Cenotaph

The largest service was held in Paisley and saw hundreds turn out to pay their respects at the Cenotaph.

The 102 Field Squadron parade to the Cenotaph

Military personnel from the Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy took part in a parade around the town centre before readings were undertaken by local ministers and the Royal British Legion presented their standards.

A bugler played a moving rendition of the Last Post shortly before a two-minute silence was observed and wreaths were then laid on behalf of the Armed Forces, schools, local organisations and community groups.

 

Kenny Lipton, Chairman of the Royal British Legion – Paisley Comrades Division, said: “It’s so important that we remember the fallen as we don’t ever want this to happen again.

Service personnel lay a wreath at the Cenotaph

“Remembrance is what the Legion is there for, our ethos is all about remembering and honouring those who have gone and those who are still with us.

A young cadet stands at attention

“Walking up towards the Cenotaph carrying the standard, or just being part of the parade, honouring those who have gone before you, it’s one of the proudest things you can ever do.”

Another nine events were held across Renfrewshire, including a special evening service held in Paisley Abbey to mark the centenary of the Armistice.

A short church service was followed by a concert of music, song and poetry performed by the Starlight Youth Music Theatre, Chamber Choir and the Johnstone Brass Band, and Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron was joined by a young person to light a candle of remembrance

Provost Cameron, who also attended the 10:45am service in Paisley, said: “Renfrewshire has a vast military history and it is fitting that we recognise the sacrifices that have been made to give our lives today.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron prepared to lay wreath of remembrance

“It was great to see so many people attending services across the area to mark the occasion, especially on the 100-year anniversary of the end of the First World War.

“Our thanks and prayers are with all our service personnel, past and present, for the outstanding work they do to keep us safe and I’m delighted we were able to honour them once again this year.”

Renfrewshire’s also hosted its annual Children’s Remembrance Service on Friday 9 November at Mossvale and St James Primary School in Paisley.

Pupils performed poetry and sang as they showcased their learning about Remembrance Day and paid their respects to those who have been lost.

Veterans from the Royal British Legion Scotland (Paisley Comrades Division) were also there to give pupils the opportunity to ask questions about their experiences and the work of the Legion, before a two-minute silence was observed at 10am.

For more information on why we mark Remembrance Day every year, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/remembrance.