REMEMBRANCE Sunday will move online in Tillicoultry amid a rising number of coronavirus cases in Scotland.

In a joint statement last week, members of the Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside Community Council, as well as the area's four churches, announced that the Act of Remembrance at the town's war memorial is to be cancelled this year.

They said: "For many years, it has been the custom for people of Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside to gather as a community at the war memorial in Tillicoultry Cemetery on Remembrance Sunday, shortly after 12noon.

"Having given the matter a great deal of consideration, we have come to the decision that it would be irresponsible to encourage people to gather in that way this year."

Normally, veterans, representatives, organisations and individuals would have gathered on Sunday, November 8, to pay their respects.

Instead, a short Act of Remembrance is to be pre-recorded in advance.

It will appear on the Facebook page of the community council, which has been serving as an important source of information for residents in the area ever since coronavirus changed everyday life in March.

The service will also appear on the YouTube channels of Tillicoultry Baptist and Parish churches.

The statement made by the community council and the churches added: "For those who are unable to access the service online, it will be possible to order a copy of the service on DVD or CD by phoning 01259 750 340 or [send a private message to] the community council by no later than October 30.

"The disc will then be delivered to your home in advance of Remembrance Sunday.

"In a year when so much of our normal life has been curtailed, it will be frustrating for many that we cannot share in a corporate act of Remembrance, but you are encouraged to pause, and remember, that though standing separately we may unite in our remembrance across our town."

The statement regarding Remembrance Sunday came the night before First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned that Scotland will not "return to normal" when temporary restrictions expire across the central belt next Monday, October 26.

These are due to be replaced with a multi-tiered strategic framework for tackling coronavirus, ahead of what is anticipated to be a challenging winter period.