TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN
Dunblane and Bridge of Allan public honour their war heroes
Crowds gathered in Dunblane and Bridge of Allan at the weekend to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Despite the poor weather, services in both areas were well attended as local people got together to mark Remembrance Sunday and pay tribute to the war dead.
In Bridge of Allan, the service took place at the cenotaph in Pullar Memorial Park.
Members of the military, ex-services personnel, Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, and Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart and community councillors among those in attendance.
Wreaths were also laid by children from Bridge of Allan Primary, Beaconhurst School and Wallace High and other local groups.
Piper Sandy Hogg once again took part in the ceremony which was jointly conducted by Rev Dan Harper, minister for Bridge of Allan Parish Church; Dominic Ind, rector of St Saviour’s Church; and Rev Gary Caldwell, minister of Lecropt Kirk Parish Church.
And Douglas Dodds, community council chair, said: “Although the weather wasn’t great, the service was very well attended. We had more people come out than last year.
“It’s important to bring the community together to remember those who were killed in conflict.”
In Dunblane, crowds gathered at the Haugh to pay their respects to those who gave their lives in battle.
The 25th Stirling (Dunblane) Boys’ Brigade band led the parade with air cadets and girl guides before playing at the service.
The day started with services at Dunblane Cathedral and St Blane’s Church before local people were led to the war memorial for 12.15pm.
Rev Colin Renwick, minister at Dunblane Cathedral, led the service before a total of 15 wreaths were laid by dignitaries, school pupils, local groups and youth organisations.
Those in attendance then fell silent for two minutes to pay respect before the Boys’ Brigade band performed the national anthem and The Last Post.
Fraser Boyd, spokesperson for the Boys’ Brigade, said: “It was a bit drizzly but the turnout was impressive — among both the youth organisations and general public.”
Harry McEwan from organisers the Royal British Legion said: “We seem to have an increase every year.
“We are delighted with the number of people who came to pay their respects.
“We’ve had so much support from the Dunblane community and the local youth organisations in particular.”