Marking 100 years of RBLS

The Maybole branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland celebrated its 100th birthday on Sunday, June 27.

Despite Covid-19 restrictions, members were keen to mark the historic occasion with a fitting ceremony.

Attending the service were Col JD Hamilton (ret); Sharon Dowey MSP; Cllr Iain Campbell; Sgt S Woodley, Police Scotland; Watch Commander K Mc Dermott, Scottish Fire & Rescue; Squadron Leader B Wilson and Warrant Officer I Wilson, representing 1371 Girvan Squadron Air Training Corps; Sgt Major G Wakelam, representing Gulf War Veterans; Rev J Green, Branch Chaplain; Pipe Major G Nicol, Maybole Pipe Band; and members of Maybole Branch Royal British Legion Scotland.

Pipe Major Nicol led a short parade from the Carrick Centre to the Greenside where Rev Green welcomed everyone, and said: “The RBL remains as important and necessary as when it came into being 100 years ago. Our armed forces continue to serve in areas of conflict. Those who suffer injury and the families of those who make the ultimate sacrifice rely upon the RBL for much of the support and help they need.”

Wreaths were laid at sculptures created by three SAS International apprentices to mark the end of World War 1 in 1918.

The Maybole branch was formed on June 28, 1921, a few days after Field Marshall Lord Haig was at Culzean on a visit to the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire, The Marquess of Ailsa, to discuss setting up the British Legion and a public meeting was arranged in Maybole Coffee House on June 28. The branch claims this makes it the oldest branch in the UK.

Salute A sign of honour for those who lost their lives, those with injuries and those who continue to serve

Moving Pipe Major Nicol led the parade followed by Rev Green who continued the service at the Greenside

In honour The Union Jack and RBLS standard were a fitting tribute to the historic occasion

Lest we forget Those in attendance paid their respects to honour the historic milestone

Silent The event was a time of reflection for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice

Remembering Rev Green led the service followed by wreaths being laid