THE memory of those who lost their lives while at work has been immortalised with a commemorative stone in Alloa.

Dozens gathered outside Kilncraigs in Alloa last Friday morning, on International Workers’ Memorial Day, to for an official unveiling and wreath-laying ceremony.

Speakers highlighted the service of those who died

A range of speakers told the crowd of the importance of the day, while pledging to "fight for the living" and their health and safety rights in the workplace.

More importantly, they paid tribute to those who never made it home from work, as well as to employees who suffered serious injuries and to people who remain ill due to their occupation.

Andrew Kane, JTUC chair, led the ceremony and was delighted with the turnout, which “seems to be increasing every year”.

He told the Advertiser: “It’s getting closer to home because this year we lost three colleagues of our own at work.

“It’s a great thing to remember [and recognise] the dead, but also fight to improve health and safety at work for the living.”

This year’s theme was “unionised workplaces are safer workplaces” and chair Andy hailed the great relationships at the council.

He was “absolutely ecstatic” to see the new memorial in place, which has been a year in progress, and thanked Historic Environment Scotland as well as Rachael and other students for their involvement.

The new memorial stone, designed by Wee County youngster Rachael Graveling, was also unveiled on the day.

The S2 Lornshill Academy pupil won a competition organised by the Joint Trade Union Committee (JTUC) at the local authority – as the Advertiser reported last March.

Historic Environment Scotland apprentice Nick Wilson turned the plans into reality, putting around 260 hours of work, blood, sweat and tears into the memorial stone.

The piece was finished just in time and was installed the evening before the ceremony – with praise given to JTUC member Sandy Harrower for arranging it all.

In his speech, Ochil and South Perthshire Westminster representative Luke Graham told the crowd: “I see it as my responsibility as MP to make sure I’m working with the council, working with trade unions and working with communities so we keep improving standards and we keep people safe at work."

He paid tribute to the council for the ongoing work in driving standards up.

Louise Taggart, of campaign group Families Against Corporate Killing, gave an emotional and moving speech, speaking out against profits over lives.

Amongst the many to be remembered was her brother Michael Adamson, who was fatally electrocuted at work in 2005.

Further speakers included Provost Tina Murphy, Mark Lyon of Unite as well as council health and safety officer Hazel Lovatt.