Good turnout for Remembrance Sunday parade

A beautiful, calm day saw a good turnout for the Remembrance Sunday parade and service at the Lerwick War Memorial.

The service was led by the Rev Tom Macintyre while wreaths were laid by many services and organisations in the isles.

The parade began at 10.15am when Royal British Legion members and a colour party formed outside the Lerwick branch and marched behind the Lerwick Legion Pipe Band to Fort Charlotte.

Still led by the pipe band, the parade then made its way to the war memorial for the traditional short service.

Representatives of the Merchant Navy, in which many Shetlanders lost their lives in both world wars, were much in evidence. They included Stuart Pottinger, Eddie Knight, Ian Jamieson, John Sales and former SIC ports and harbours chief George Sutherland.

Just before 11am the wreath-laying party, led by Mr Macintyre, emerged from Lerwick Town Hall and took up their positions in front of the memorial.

Following the playing of The Last Post by members of the Lerwick Brass Band, the colours were lowered and two minutes’ silence observed.

After playing of The Reveille Mr Macintyre called for the wreaths to be laid. The first was Lord Lieutenant Bobby Hunter, followed by SIC convener Malcolm Bell then representatives of the Royal British Legion, the Lovat Scouts Association, the Royal Air Force Association, the Merchant Navy Association and G Troop, 105 Regiment, Royal Artillery.

Wreaths were also laid on behalf of HM Coastguard, the Northern Constabulary, the RNMDSF, the Salvation Army, the British Red Cross, the RVS, the Shetland Independent Cadet Battery, youth organisations and the Anderson High School.

In his address Mr Macintyre highlighted the purpose of the event – to remember all those from the isles who were caught up in the courageous but tragic events of the world wars.

He said: “We remember those who were killed in action or disease, the bereaved, the lost, the families which were shattered, the wounded, maimed and injured, those who held in silence unspeakable memories of warfare.

“Through the media and through school and community projects marking the commemoration of the beginning of the First World War, we have heard in greater detail than ever before the incredible stories of courage and endurance.”

Following the Piper’s Lament and The National Anthem the parade formed up again and wound its way to St Columba’s Church for the service there.