Civic reception and service for Somme
Fallen soldiers and work of ASA is celebrated
West Lothian Council invited around 150 guests to Linlithgow’s Burgh Halls for a civic reception to commemorate the Battle of the Somme.
The educational and welfare work of the Bathgate-based Ancre Somme Association ( ASA) Scotland was celebrated, and West Lothian’s fallen heroes were remembered.
Senior members of the army, navy and the Royal Air Force attended alongside West Lothian’s Lord Lieutenant Isobel Brydie and Provost Tom Kerr.
ASA Scotland spokesman Tommy Davidson said: “On display was a WW1 exhibition and pictures. The Somme 2016 trailer was shown and the Royal Scots Association Pipe Band played outside the Burgh Hall’s, Linlithgow, as the crowds gathered.”
A centenary commemoration service was also held in St Michael’s Church.
Tommy added: “The service began with a welcome from Rev Stuart Gillan, opening prayer was conducted by Fr. Paul Kelly. Readings were given from Rev Christine Barclay and the Rev Richard Houston.
“Kevin Gray MM CEO of Legion Scotland read ‘In Flanders Fields’, Ancre member Charles Kennedy read poem ‘A Soldiers Cemetery’, Gary Tait MBE and Chairman of McCraes Battalion Trust told the true story of the ‘McCraes Battalion’ explaining the motivation in raising a Battalion of Royal Scots that would fight and die at the Battle of the Somme.
“There were two young singers - Sam Malone, who sung ‘Black is the Sun’ and Julie Stevens who sung ‘Jimmy’s gone to Flanders’ - both were exceptional.”
Tom Gordon, from the Royal Scots Museum at Edinburgh Castle, spoke about those from West Lothian who fought in the battle 100 years ago.
ASA chairman George Wilson read ‘A Letter from the Home Front’ before Sarah Gillan played ‘Ashokan’s Farewell’.
Balbardie Primary School pupil Cameron Davidson, eight, then delivered ‘Binyon’s Lines’ ahead of ‘The Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ being played by bugler Brian Alexander.
Tommy said: “The Royal Scots Association Pipe Band played Highland Cathedral while wreaths were laid. The Service ended with the National Anthem. ASA Scotland would like to thank St Michael’s Church and everyone who attended.”
West Lothian’s Provost Tom Kerr added: “It is important to remember all year round.”