On a cold but sunny weekend people across Lochaber attended war memorials to pay their respects and honour those who gave their lives for their country in two world wars and other more recent conflicts.
Arisaig and Morar
On Remembrance Sunday, parishioners from three local congregations, along with others from the local communities, gathered at the Arisaig Cross and Morar Memorial Arch to remember and pay tribute to the local service personnel, and to the nurses, who died in the First and Second World Wars.
Wreaths were laid from the Community Council and also from the Mallaig High School, with one of the pupils, Emma, reading Paul Hunter’s 2014 poem, “The Poppy – I Am Not A Badge Of Honour”.
Local piper Allan Mackenzie played the pipes before and after the Silence as members of the community remembered and gave tribute to the Fallen.
The ceremonies were led by Rev. Stewart Goudie, with contributions from Fr. Stan Pamula, Mr. Geoff Thomas, and Mrs. Liz Goudie.
There were about 30 to 40 attendees.
Glenfinnan
On a cold but glorious autumn afternoon, villagers from Glenfinnan gathered on Remembrance Sunday to honour the fallen of two world wars and other conflicts.
A poignant service was led by Father Walter Ezenwosu MSP in the village’s St Mary and St Finnan Catholic Church.
Afterwards, members of the congregation joined several other local residents at the war memorial.
After a short service at the memorial from Father Walter, a wreath was laid on behalf of the community by Tearlach MacFarlane, a veteran who served with the Seaforth Highlanders, pictured left.
A moving lament was played on the pipes by David Robertson, also pictured.
Fort William and District RBLS
Remembrance 2023 was once again a solemn event well attended by veterans, serving members of the armed forces, the emergency services youth organisations, locals and visitors alike.
On Saturday the Fort William and District branch of Royal British Legion Scotland and the Sea Cadets Lochaber once again shared the duties of the War Memorial Vigil held during daylight on Remembrance Saturday which this year coincided with Armistice Day.
All assembled at the 11th Hour for the two minute silence with passing Veterans and visitors joining in.
At 1pm branch members Bruce James (president), James Porter (vice-chair) and committee member David Brady attended Fort William Football Club’s home match against Halkirk FC where they escorted both teams out to the centre circle where the secretary laid a poppy wreath on the centre spot and the last post was piped out.
The Branch Standard was lowered and a period of silence followed.
The Branch would like to thank Fort William FC for inviting them to participate.
At the same time the Branch chairman Hugh Macinnes was presenting certificates – which the Branch had won For the Best Kept War Memorial for a small community without a garden – won at both Highlands and Islands Area and National Level.
Accepting the awards on behalf of Highland Council staff was David Lamont, Karen Dean and Cathy Day on behalf of Fort William Town Team and representatives from The Garden Stop on the Blar.
Throughout the last two weeks members of the branch have also been in attendance at Lidls and Morrisons where they have been collecting for Poppy Scotland.
As Saturday was the main Poppy Day the Sea Cadets were also seen in Fort William High Street doing a great job in respectfully collecting. Fort William RBLS thank them and every one who have very kindly donated once again.
Sunday saw staff from the Highland Council out doing final clean and set up in frosty and misty conditions which gave the Parade an eyrie appearance.
However by the time of the parade the mist and frost had gone as had a lot of the leaves which council employees had cleared off the parade.
The parade was led once again by James Porter and the Branch members were marshalled by Hugh Macinnes.
Standards were carried by Stuart Rowe and James Standen
Other Standards were paraded by The Commando Association, the Women’s Section of The Royal British Legion Inverness carried by Shirley Carmody, 3 RM Association Standards Dutch Mariner Commando Association and Lochaber Sea Cadets carried by Alex Hunter.
The service was read by Rev Rory Macleod and the salute was taken by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Inverness-shire, Jackie Wright.
Wreath bearers were organised by welfare officers of the branch Susan Macinnes and Margaret Standen.
In the Afternoon the Standards were paraded at the Commando memorial in Spean Bridge.
