Remembrance Day services in southside

Former members of the forces, the territorial army, the Jewish Brigade, politicians and the public joined together to pay tribute to those who have contributed to Britain’s war efforts. Jim Neery, chairman of the Newton Mearns branch of the British legion, served in the RAF in the 1950s.

After Sunday’s service, he told The Extra: “It was wonderful to see such a big turnout.

“Laying wreaths at the war memorial at Mearns Cross — which used to be out of bounds to the public at the old Mearns Primary— was a fitting end to the ceremony”.

At the Cenotaph in George Square, a two-minute silence was also observed.

Representatives of the Royal British Legion paid tribute to the dead, along with Glasgow city council leader Gordon Matheson, deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson.

A Guard of Honour was provided by The Royal Highland Fusiliers, the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

On Friday, 60 Williamwood high pupils visited Cathcart Cemetery for a remembrance ceremony, led by Reverend Roddick of Greenbank Church.

At 11.00am the group observed two minutes of silence to remember the war dead and the ceremony concluded with a bagpipe lament played by Taylor Walton (S6).

S1 pupil Howie Smith said: “I was given the responsibility of placing a poppy wreath on the memorial at the cemetery.

“I am happy I did this. Today has made me think of the soldiers who died for us”.

Meanwhile at Bellahouston Academy, pupils made poppies and wrote poems in the build up to Remembrance week.

They laid a plaque in the school’s edible garden with the assistance of staff sergeant Dave Collie of the Royal Military Police who works in Paisley’s army careers office.

Staff sergeant Collie said: “It is great to see young people wearing their poppies and remembering those who have made and those who continue to make the greatest sacrifice for the freedom of others”.