School kids remember

Primary school pupils remembered the men from their local area who died in the First World War at a commemoration service.

Around 450 children, parents and teachers gathered at Balbardie Primary School in Bathgate for the service on Thursday, May 24.

The Ancre Somme Association Scotland ( ASA) also launched its WW1 Legacy booklet for the school on the day.

At the commemoration service Cameron Davidson ( 10) recited Binyon’s Lines and lone piper Cammie McEwan from Bathgate played ‘The Flowers Of The Forest’.

The Great War Commemoration Flag was then raised in memory of the dead.

The legacy booklet created by ASA shows the names of local men who fought in the Great War.

The booklet also contains stories and facts about Bathgate, Bangour Hospital and the Scottish and British Regiments that fought with the Allies during the war.

ASA secretary Tommy Davidson said: “Balbardie Primary are the first school in Scotland to deliver a beautiful and moving tribute to the armed forces who died during the Great War.

“Balbardie Primary Children have set a great example. We will assist and support more schools across Scotland.”

Over 60 Bathgate men fought and died during World War One.

Tommy Dav i d s o n said: “Approximately 64 men fought and died during the Great War, they all lived in Cochrane Street, Bathgate. Balbardie Primary will remember them forevermore.”

BFBS, the British Forces television and radio station, also attended the ceremony and interviewed the children and teachers of the school.