Strong turnout for annual Remembrance Parade

Fine and bright weather set the scene for a particularly good turnout at this year’s Remembrance Parade in Lerwick.

The event was attended by the various uniformed organisations and the public, and culminated with the laying of wreaths at the war memorial in Hillhead before a service at St Columba’s Church.

The traditional Remembrance Sunday was organised by the local branch of the Royal British Legion together with local groups of the Lovat Scouts, RAFA and Merchant Navy Association.

Around 60 veterans from the armed forces and the Territorial Army, plus youth organisations including the Army Cadets, the Sea Scouts, Boys Brigade and Girl Guides, all assembled at Fort Charlotte and marched to the war memorial for a short open air service and the wreath-laying. Standards were carried by representatives of the Royal British Legion, RAFA and the Merchant Navy.

The beginning of two minutes’ silence was marked by a flare set off by the coastguard, with another ending the silence.

The attendees and public then marched along Hillhead to the Big Kirk for a service led by the Rev Gordon Oliver.

President of the Royal British Legion (Lerwick branch) Jack Inkster said: “It was a superb turnout. I think [the situation in] Afghanistan had something to do with it. People are aware of what our boys are doing.

“I’d like to thank everyone for coming out, the Salvation Army for conducting the service at the Cenotaph and Rev Gordon Oliver for the superb [church] service.”