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June 24, 2019Renfrewshire and Inverclyde joined forces to celebrate Armed Forces Day with a special service at Paisley Abbey on Saturday.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy, the Provost of Renfrewshire, Lorraine Cameron, and Provost of Inverclyde, Martin Brennan, were in attendance to recognise the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces, both past and present.
The Renfrewshire Schools Intermediate Strings Orchestra performed within the Abbey as members of the congregation arrived for the service – which was led by Reverend Alan Birss, Minister of Paisley Abbey, and Canon Oliver Freney from the Diocese of Paisley.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy, completed the first reading of the service, and was followed by Provost of Renfrewshire, Lorraine Cameron.
Inverclyde’s Provost, Martin Brennan, then led the Prayer of Intercession and both Paisley Abbey Choristers and Inverclyde Seniors Choir filled the Abbey with music.
The collection at the service will be donated to Scottish charity Bravehound, which provides companion dogs for veterans.
Provost Cameron said: “I was delighted to see such a large attendance of veterans, serving military personnel and members of the public in Paisley Abbey to pay tribute to those who have served, and currently serve in our name.
“Armed Forces Day is a chance to celebrate the members of our Forces and recognise the commitment they make to our safety.”
The service took place in advance of the national Armed Forces Day – which is Saturday 29 June – in order to allow those in attendance the chance to pay tribute at both a local and national service.
The service was preceded on Friday by a short ceremony outside Renfrewshire House which saw the Armed Forces Day flag raised by Former Sergeant Ronnie Scobie of the Royal Engineers Territorial Army.
Former Sergeant Ronnie Scobie is a member of the Scottish War Blinded who have recently opened an activity hub at Hawkhead in Paisley, providing specialist support and activities for veterans who have lost their sight.
The flag flies for seven days in recognition of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women to protect the country.
