HELENSBURGH fell silent at 11am on Sunday as hundreds of people paid their respects to those who gave their lives in war in the service of their country.

Hundreds of people attended the town’s annual service of remembrance at the newly-restored war memorial in Hermitage Park, organised by the Helensburgh branch of Legion Scotland and the town’s community council.

The park, currently undergoing a £3.3 million regeneration project, was opened to the public for two days to allow people to pay tribute on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday after work on the memorial was completed in time.

Personnel from HM Naval Base Clyde formed a guard of honour as wreaths were laid on behalf of national and local government, the armed services, emergency services, veteran’s groups and adult and youth uniformed organisations.

Events began at nearby Hermitage Primary School where, led by the Royal Navy Guard and HMS Neptune Volunteer Band, the participants marched to the park’s Garden of Remembrance.

Taking the salute outside Victoria Halls were Naval Base Commander, Commodore Mark Gayfer, who also laid a wreath at the cenotaph, and deputy lieutenant Bobby Steele, representing the Queen.

Reverend David Young, the minister at Helensburgh Parish Church, led the ceremony, which was attended, among others, by members of Helensburgh Royal British Legion, the Submariners’ Association, school children from Hermitage Primary, local Cadets, Red Cross, Boys Brigade, Girls Brigade, Scout groups, Girl Guides and the Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band.

Among those who laid a wreath at the memorial was local councillor Ellen Morton, chair of the authority’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee.

Cllr Morton said: “It was a lovely ceremony and very well attended not just by local organisations but also by large numbers of local residents, including many young people.

“There was a lot of interest in the work being done in the park and on the memorial itself which looked great in the winter sunshine.

“I think we owe a debt to those who are prepared to sacrifice their lives in the hope that we will live in freedom and in peace.

“The ceremony is never a celebration of war which should always be a last resort, but even if politicians handle things badly, that does not diminish the courage of the men and women who do their duty and it is right to remember them and acknowledge their sacrifice.”

Helensburgh's MP, Brendan O'Hara, said: “As always, the good folk of Helensburgh turned out in strength to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial has been restored magnificently and is a fitting tribute to its cause.”

West of Scotland MSP and Helensburgh resident Maurice Corry, who laid a wreath on behalf of the Scottish Parliament, said: “Although Hermitage Park isn’t yet complete, the memorial was looking superb. It is a fitting tribute to the men and woman who have, and continue to serve and protect our country.

"It is hugely important to remember the extreme pressures and dangerous situations our service people put themselves in and use Remembrance Day to pay our respects.”

Also laying a wreath at this year’s event was Joy Penrose-Stupart on behalf of the Womens Royal Naval Service (WRNS). She said: “As part of the WRNS 100 events we have 102 serving and former Wrens laying wreaths around the world to remember those who have given their lives in service in war and peacetime.”

As well as the traditional two-minute silence and laying of wreaths, the service also included a bugler playing the Reveille before finishing with the National Anthem.

Services of remembrance were also held on Sunday in Cardross, Rhu, Shandon, Garelochhead, Rosneath, Kilcreggan, Luss and Arrochar.