THE Alloa community gathered in person on Sunday to pay their respects for Remembrance Sunday at the weekend.

Last year’s event took place in a different capacity due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place at the time.

However, this year locals were able to come and pay their respects as the procession travelled to the war memorial from St Mungo’s Parish Church.

Pipers, military personnel and more marched through Alloa as crowds lined the streets to pay their respects.

This year’s event fell on Sunday, November 14 and Alloa residents brought a huge turnout to the event to show their support and respect.

Clackmannanshire Lord Lieutenant Johnny Stewart, who was accompanied by his cadets, led the official party from St Mungo's Parish Church along Bedford Place to the war memorial.

Reflecting on what he explained was one of the most important days in the Wee County's calendar, he said: “Last year we did it on a very, very different scale because of the pandemic.

“This year it was utterly wonderful to be out there on a dry day.

“Perhaps because of Covid people are thinking more about these things but there was a huge turnout in Alloa around the memorial, all the streets were full of people – it was absolutely wonderful that they came to support the armed forces.”

Meanwhile, Rev Jason Lingiah, chair of the Alloa Community Council, led a small service at Moncrieff United Free Church of Scotland and said it was especially appreciated after the pandemic disrupted last year’s plans.

He said: “Our service was really good to have some sense of normality back and a remembrance ritual which we had very much scaled down last year.”

The service was attended by many including the Boys Brigade and the Girls Guide.

Jason said it’s always important to pay respect and tribute but added: “Especially so after a gap, after last year.”