CLACKMANNANSHIRE'S biggest Remembrance Day ceremony took place in Alloa on Sunday, November 14, drawing in bigger crowds than ever before.

Many gathered for the procession, which started at Ludgate Church before coming to an end at the war memorial on Bedford Place.

Lord Lieutenant Johnny Stewart was one of the leaders of the procession, alongside the Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band.

Johnny gave the Lord Lieutenant's salute at 10:30am, immediately succeeded by a two-minute silence and following this the wreath laying took place at 11am.

The lieutenant colonel (retd.) commended everyone for their part in the procession, telling the Advertiser it was a fantastic ceremony.

He said: "It was a really fabulous day for all of us and it went really well.

"The whole event went as well as normal and it was wonderful to be part of it to be able to pay our respects to all those who have died in war."

The wreath laying ceremony proved to be rather popular, with a group of around 25 from the church attending to lay wreaths.

Lt Col Stewart continued: "I was joined by two cadets – one from the air training corps and one from Dollar Academy and we walked along up to the memorial and laid the wreaths.

"Stuart Gray, from St. John's Church, gave a really good service backed up by all the other ministers and priests from Alloa.

"We then laid all the wreaths and as the ceremony ended, we all went back to Ludgate Church afterwards.

"It was a fantastic turn out, really well attended."

John Nicolson, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, attended ceremonies in Dollar and Sauchie and he spoke to the Advertiser about the importance of Remembrance Day.

He said: "As we mark Remembrance Day, we hold dear in our memories all those who sacrificed their lives for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today.

"Every corner of our country has felt the dire cost of war whether in the Great War, the Second World War, or in the conflicts since.

"It was an honour to lay wreaths on behalf of my constituents."