THE Wee County once again stood united last week as officials gathered to remember the lives lost in the workplace.

A commemorative wreath was laid in front of Clackmannanshire Council headquarters on Friday as part of International Worker's Memorial Day.

The ceremony was attended by MSP Keith Brown along with Nikki Bridle, chief executive of Clackmannanshire Council; Lisa Adamson, from Families Against Corporate Killers; Kevin McIntyre, chair of JTUC; Seonaid Scott, the council's head of health and safety; and Provost Donald Balsillie.

The wreath was laid at the memorial stone in front of Kilncraigs in Alloa, next to the inscription which reads: "Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living."

In his speech during the ceremony, Mr Brown said: "I am very pleased to be here today to join with you all in marking International Workers' Memorial Day.

"It represents an opportunity for us all to pay our respects and spend a moment remembering all of those who have lost their lives in the workplace whether through injury or illness, and to recommit ourselves to fighting to keep workers safe.

"Because International Workers Memorial Day is based on the premise: Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living."

International Workers Memorial Day has been commemorated on April 28 around the world since 1989, with Scotland hosting events on this day since 1992.

Its focus has long been on remembering those who perished in industrial accidents in the past, while working to improve workplace safety going forward.

The campaign remains as crucial as ever, with only recently father-of-two Gary Robertson drying after falling 30 foot platform at Longannet Power Station.

Mr Brown continued: "We have come a long way from the days when a community would gather anxiously at the pit gates following a mine collapse or explosion.

"But still, today, there are sad occasions when someone goes off to their work and doesn't come home at the end of their shift.

"That should never happen.

"But happen it does, and we should never give up pressing for improvements in workplace safety. Not one penny of profit is worth endangering your workforce for.

"So, yes, let us remember the dead. But re-commit ourselves once more to fighting for the living and resist this very serious threat to our rights and protection."