CLACKMANNANSHIRE paid a meaningful and dignified tribute to fallen loved ones during the Remebrance Day services marking the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WW1.

Numerous events were observed on Sunday with services held in Alloa, Ludgate, Sauchie and on the summit of Dumyat.

Thousands from across the county paid their respects with residents, business owners, local politicians and civic leaders attending events.

Tina Murphy, provost for Clackmannanshire, said: “It was lovely to see so many people attending the ceremonies this year, with an exceptionally high turnout in Alloa.

“All the services have been very meaningful and hopefully a lot of people will be left to ponder some of the conflicts we are currently engaged in. There is nothing glorious about war.

“It’s pleasing that so many young children are taking part in Remembrance events and you can see they are all well aware of the terrible loss suffered by so many.” Provost Murphy added: “The fact that so many people came out for the Remembrance Day events certainly means a lot to me.

“During WW1 my dad’s own dad was killed in action a day before my dad was born. And that left my gran with five kids to bring up on her own.

“The death of a serviceman is tragic enough, but we should never forget the effect it will have on families.” Gordon Banks MP for Clackmannanshire, added: “As communities across Clackmannanshire come together to honour and reflect on those who gave their lives in two world wars and other conflicts, we must always remember that we owe them and their families an enormous debt of gratitude, because without doubt, they have made the world a safer place for future generations.” A Remembrance service was held at Alloa’s war memorial with the Lord Lieutenant Lt. Col. Johnny Stewart the first to lay the wreath.

He was followed by Major Barker of the Royal British Legion Scotland, the provost and chief executive of the council.

MSP Keith Brown also laid a wreath following representatives of the armed services, Police Scotland, the fire service, HMP Glenochil and Alloa Athletic.

A number of pupils from Alloa Academy and Lornshill Academy also paid their respects along with members of local churches.

Elsewhere, Sauchie held its Armistice parade and wreath-laying ceremony in the village, after which the Rev. Margaret Shuttleworth led the crowd in prayer.

The provost also delivered a Message of Hope address, following a poem by Johanna Wilkinson and a sermon from Rev. Graham Brown.

There were also additional services held in Alva and Coalsnaughton as the whole of Clackmannanshire honoured those lost.

On top of of Dumyat, a new Regimental plaque has been placed to commemorate the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 5 Scots, the local Regiment.

The plaque was constructed by ex-regimental volunteers to replace the original, which was in a very poor state, and honours all who have served in the Regiment in peace and in conflicts around the world.

To construct the monument volunteers camped on the summit in all weathers to enable it to be finished in time.

A ceremony is held on the summit every Remembrance Sunday at the eleventh hour followed by a two minute silence and the laying of wreaths.

Sunday’s ceremony at Dumyat was attended by regular officers from the battalion based at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh and many ex-regimental soldiers.