Paisley marks 100th anniversary of Cenotaph ahead of Armed Forces Day

The Cenotaph was first installed in 1924 by a local widow, Mrs McNab, who had lost three sons and it became one of the first memorials in Scotland following the First World War.

Paisley Cenotaph marks 100 years of it's unveiling (Image: Newsquest) Veterans, service personnel and prominent members of the community came together to hold a special ceremony to mark the occasion on Friday, June 21.

Though the official anniversary is in July the Royal British Legion Paisley Comrades (RBLPC) merged the event with Armed Forces Day which takes place next Sunday (June 29).

A special flag-raising ceremony was also held a week early to give members of the community a longer window of opportunity to view it.

The service began with the melody 'Flowers of the Forrest' by a lone bagpiper before the ceremony commenced with Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron.

The Lord Lieutenant then paid his tributes before prayers were read.

The memorial finished with the Renfrewshire Schools Brass Ensemble and the laying of poppy wreaths.

Poppy wreaths were laid on the Paisley Cenotaph (Image: Newsquest) Following this, an invitation was given to move to Renfrewshire House where the Armed Forces Day flag was to be raised.

In charge of flag raising was Kenny Lupton, president of the RBLPC, who said that these are events just as important as the remembrance day.

Flag raiser and president of RBLPC Kenny Lupton and Provost Lorraine Cameron (Image: Newsquest) He said: "We always support these events, especially in the current climate when we still have soldiers, sailors, and those in the RAF serving overseas in various conflicts. This is to remember those who have gone and those who are still there.

"Being at the cenotaph and then having Armed Forces Day is just as important a day to us as remembrance day.

"We are allowing [the flag] to fly for a week and then having Armed Forces Day next week at 102 Squadron. It's to give an insight to the public of what the squadron does but also other various charities and organisations that support veterans and personnel."

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “Showing support for the Armed Forces provides a much valued morale boost for the troops and their families and it’s important we continue to highlight how much we appreciate their contributions to our country.

"This year we also come together to mark the centenary of our Cenotaph – a monument where the community of Paisley have gathered in remembrance of our fallen servicemen and women for 100 years and will continue to gather for many years to come. It’s important that the sacrifices of those who came before us are never forgotten and that their courage and valour continue to inspire generations."

The Armed Forces Day Family Open Day will take place on Saturday, June 29 from 1pm to 4:30pm at the 102 Field Squadron base on Hawkhead Road.

The event is open to all and there will be a variety of activities on offer including face painting, glitter tattoos, inflatables, and an assault course.

Local army and air cadet units will have stalls at the event and there will be a BBQ.