Community never forgets

Events took place in both Neilston and Newton Mearns, with community groups, local politicians and council officials all paying their 
respects.

Eastwood MSP Ken Macintosh attended the British Legion remembrance event at the war memorial in Mearns Cross.

He told The Extra: “Our veterans remain at the heart of Remembrance Sunday, but it was particularly heartening to see so many different generations, including East Renfrewshire pupils, coming together to mark the lives lost to protect our freedoms.

“The community was united in showing our respect for the values of duty and service.”

Newton Mearns north councillor Paul O’Kane commented: “I was honoured to join the Royal British Legion, the lord lieutenant, provost and fellow councillors and parliamentarians at Newton Mearns war memorial.

“I was delighted to see many young people from the army cadets, scouts, guides, Jewish youth organisations and wider Jewish community taking part in the march 
past.

“Similarly it was great to see pupils from Eastwood and Mearns Castle high schools involved in the ceremonies.”

Cathcart MSP James Dornan added: “I was honoured to lay a wreath and read a poem at Cathcart Old parish church on Sunday.

“It was lovely to see so many children involved in the ceremony.”

In Glasgow’s George Square, a guard of honour was formed by the Royal Navy and Glasgow southside MSP Nicola Sturgeon was among those who laid a wreath.

West of Scotland MSP Stewart Maxwell has encouraged local community groups to apply for Scottish Government’s one million pound Centenary Memorials Restoration Fund, which has already assisted with war memorial restoration in Elderslie, Bridge of Weir and Bearsden.

He said: “It is important we continue to keep these war memorials well maintained and reflective of the respect we show for those that served.”