JUST as the guns fell silent at 11am on November 11, 1918, bringing to an end “the war to end all wars”, so Helensburgh and Lomond fell silent on Sunday, exactly 100 years since the end of the First World War, in tribute to those from the area who gave their lives in the service of their country.

Hundreds of people paid their respects by attending the annual service of remembrance at Hermitage Park in Helensburgh, while others observed smaller, but no less significant, acts of remembrance in Cardross, Rhu, Shandon, Garelochhead, Rosneath, Kilcreggan, Cove, Arrochar and Luss.

And while many of those present at Sunday’s memorials were there to pay silent tribute to family members who lost their lives in the 20th century’s two worst conflicts, others were driven to pay their respects in memory of family, friends and comrades who lost their lives in other, more recent, war zones around the world.

Serving and former armed forces personnel were present in large numbers at Hermitage Park on Sunday morning to hear the Rev David T. Young of Helensburgh Parish Church lead a short act of worship, and to fall silent for two minutes at 11am, and to watch as wreaths were laid by politicians, military representatives, community groups and youth organisations.

Helensburgh’s MP, Brendan O’Hara, who attended the service at the town’s war memorial on Sunday, said: “It was an honour to lay a wreath at Helensburgh’s remembrance service on behalf of the people of Argyll and Bute.

“Being the centenary year it was particularly poignant to remember those lives lost during the First World War – but we should also remember those lives lost in subsequent conflicts around the world and those service men and women currently serving.

“We are living through very unstable times marred with division and intolerance and it is a time to remind ourselves that we must all work to never let this happen again.”

Mr O’Hara also thanked Helensburgh Community Council, who organised the Hermitage Park service this year for the first time.

West of Scotland MSP Maurice Corry, who represented the Scottish Parliament at the Helensburgh service, added: “Every year we get the opportunity to pay our respects and remember those who sacrificed themselves for our future, this year was even more special marking the 100th anniversary of World War 1.

“I had the privilege of laying a couple of wreaths throughout the day and attending a remembrance concert in the Submarine Centre. If anyone made it up before 6am they would have experienced pipers playing in various places, which was a moving tribute.

“The day was full of fitting tributes to those who came before us and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and future.”