Pipers to lead commemorative procession at WW1 warzone

The Mayor of Dainville Mme Francoise Rossignol has invited two East Renfrewshire pipers Christina Shaw (17) from Clarkston and Stuart Logan (18) from Barrhead to play at the public ceremonies to commemorate the centenary of the start of WW1.

Dainville is in the heart of the WW1 war zone of such battlegrounds as Mons, Ypres and Vimy.

There is a strong tradition of commemoration of the Armistice. The bagpipe music will stir many memories of the past and will be a poignant reminder of our historic Franco-Scottish connection.

The pipers will play as part of the commemorative church service before leading the way to the village’s war memorial in the main street.

They will ceremonially pipe in the dignitaries and officials and, when the ceremony is complete, will lead the longer march to the Allied Cemetery.

Christina, who is a pupil at Williamwood High School and a member of the Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band, said: “I am very excited about taking part in this very special ceremony. It was quite an honour to have been selected.”

Pipe major Iain MacDonald, of Neilston and District Pipe Band, appointed the pair to represent East Renfrewshire .

Stuart, who is studying mechanical engineering and aeronautics at Glasgow University, added: “It will be a wonderful experience for both of us to take part in this event. We have been asked to play Amazing Grace, Highland Cathedral and The Flowers of the Forest.”

At the war graves there will be another short service in French and English at which the pipers will play the final piece of the day which is likely to be The Flowers of the Forest.