Dunbartonshire Lieutenancy remembers the Fallen

Hundreds of people have gathered to mark Remembrance Sunday, at a series of parades and services across Dunbartonshire.

The events were attended by members of the public, military veterans and cadet organisations, who stood in silence for two minutes to remember the fallen.

Wreaths were then laid by local dignitaries.

Dunbartonshire’s Deputy Lieutenants were in attendance at events across the Lieutenancy.

Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Jill Young MBE, laid a wreath on behalf of His Majesty King Charles at the war memorial in Clydebank following a church service.

The event was led by Salvation Army Piper Alasdair Henderson.

Mrs Young was escorted by Leading Sea Cadet Samantha Evans, the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet and Petty Officer Conor Young from HMS Glasgow.

In attendance were Provost of West Dunbartonshire, Karen Murray Conaghan, VIPs, veterans, Clydebank Sea Cadets, RAF Cadets, Helensburgh Army Cadets and Scouts.

The largest event was held at Hermitage Park in Helensburgh, where several hundred people turned out to pay their respects, despite appalling weather.

A wreath was laid at the war memorial by Dr Gill Aitkenhead MBE DL, at her last event as a Deputy Lieutenant before she retires.

Local Sea, Air and Army Cadets provided the guard of honour at the service.

The event was also attended by senior officers from HMNB Clyde at Faslane.

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant, James Rogers DL laid his Lieutenancy wreath at the picturesque Rhu and Shandon Parish Church where the weather was much kinder.

The service was led by former Deputy Lieutenant, Andrew Nicolson JP.

Argyll and Bute Councillor Maurice Stewart-Corry TD was also in attendance and laid a wreath on behalf of the local authority.

The Rhu Scouts and Cubs provided the guard of honour.

Round the coast at Shandon, Deputy Lieutenant, Colonel Mike Edwards OBE, laid a wreath on behalf of His Majesty at the local war memorial.

The service was led by Tom Stewart, one of the elders from Rhu Parish Church.

New Deputy Lieutenant, Elaine Ferguson, laid a wreath at the service held at the former US Navy base at Rosneath.

This year marked the 25th anniversary of the memorial, which is dedicated to the American and British forces who served there during World War Two.

The memorial was established by the United Kingdom State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Rosneath Anvil Trust.

To mark the 25th anniversary, Mrs Holly Smith from the society joined the service.

In the east of the Lieutenancy, several hundred people turned out for the Remembrance parade in Kilsyth.

Anne Smillie DL laid the King’s wreath at the Cenotaph.

A service of Remembrance at Kilsyth Burns and Old Parish Church was led by Rev Kenneth MacLeod.

The event was attended by local cadets and members from the local branch of the Royal British Legion.

Musical accompaniment was provided by the Kilsyth Thistle pipe band.

Another well attended Remembrance event took place in Bishopbriggs where around 300 people paid their respects.

The Lieutenancy wreath was laid at the war memorial there by Garry MacLeod DL.

Gordon McInally, Locum of Cadder Parish Church conducted the service, East Dunbartonshire Community Police Inspector Stuart Murray and his officers supervised the event, David Ritchie of the 212 Boys Brigade, coordinated and managed the parade and wreath-laying, East Dunbartonshire Council Depute Leader Councillor Calum Smith represented the local authority along with Councillor Alan Moir and Executive Officer Ms Evonne Bauer.

Local youth organisations, local groups and schools including Bishopbriggs Academy and Turnbull High School staff and pupil representatives were in attendance as were the 175th Glasgow Scout Group who provided refreshments.

Isabel Ewing DL attended a special service at Woodilee, organised by Lenzie Community Council and the churches of Lenzie.

It remembered the fallen and those whose lives were associated with Woodilee Hospital.

Professor Elaine Boyd OBE DL laid a Remembrance wreath at the war memorial in Milngavie.

East Dunbartonshire Council elected members and officials were also there to pay their respects as were Milngavie FC, the Boys’ Brigade, Girl Guides, Douglas Academy, Milngavie Community Council and Army Cadets.

The Milngavie Pipe Band was also in attendance as were a large number of veterans.

In nearby Bearsden, a large ceremony was held at the war memorial where Deputy Lieutenant Sandie Scott laid a wreath.

The event was attended by Provost Gillian Renwick from East Dunbartonshire Council and representatives of the emergency services, Scouts and Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades.

The service was led by Rev Roddy Hamilton from the New Kilpatrick Church.

The Remembrance service at St David’s Church in Kirkintilloch was followed by a parade to the Cenotaph.

Deputy Lieutenant Mark Billington laid a wreath on behalf of the Lieutenancy.

The event had musical accompaniment from the Kirkintilloch Pipe Band and was attended by Kirkintilloch Girl Guides, Brownies and Rainbows and Army Cadets.

A large turnout attended the ceremony at Christie Park in Alexandria.

The King's wreath was laid by Tom Finnigan DL.

He was escorted by the Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet, Flight Sergeant Connor McCairn from 1777 Air Cadet Squadron in Dumbarton.

Deputy Lieutenant Kenneth Grieve represented the Lieutenancy at the parade at Levengrove Park in Dumbarton, where he laid a wreath on behalf of the King.

The event was attended by local MSP, Dame Jackie Baillie, the Dumbarton & District Pipe Band and the Dumbarton Army Cadet Force.

The Remembrance Service in Cumbernauld was well attended as ever - despite the awful weather.

Parade was lead by Stonehouse pipe band and the 2946 Squadron of the Air Cadets.

Wreaths we're laid by Anne Walker DL, Katrina Murray MP, Jamie Hepburn MSP, local council representatives, representatives of the emergency services and a large number of local community groups and organisations.

The Remembrance event at Duntocher was attended by Douglas McAllister MP and Marie McNair MSP and the service was led by Rev Gregor McIntyre.

Deputy Lieutenant Elliot Witherow laid a wreath on behalf of the King.

In Milton of Campsie, members of the local Scout troop and Boys Brigade took part in a service and parade.

The parade formed up in the grounds of St Paul’s Chapel on Cairnview Road, and processed to the war memorial beside the former Milton Church. Councillor Vaughan Moody of East Dunbartonshire Council laid a wreath, followed by Alex Buist from the Community Council. The ceremony was jointly conducted by Rev Julie Moody and Canon Jeremy Bath. Musical accompaniment was provided by Jocelyn Glennie.

A wreath was laid on behalf of the Dunbartonshire Lieutenancy by Nick Allan DL.

At Old Kilpatrick, a Remembrance Sunday service was conducted by Ian Stormonth and Scouts recited ‘In Flanders Fields,’ a war poem written during the First World War by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae.

The Lieutenancy wreath was laid by Angela Harkness DL

The worst loss of life in British maritime history has been marked at a ceremony in Clydebank.

This year sees the 85th anniversary of the HMT Lancastria disaster, when a liner, converted into a troopship and sent to rescue British civilians and service personnel from advancing enemy forces in Nazi-occupied France, was sunk by German bombers.

One of the guests was Fiona Symon, whose father lost in the disaster. She addressed the ceremony and spoke emotionally about what happened and the impact it had on her and other families.

It's estimated between 4,000 and 7,000 people were lost in the tragedy.

The ceremony took place at the Golden Jubilee Hospital, the site of the Beardmore ship building yard, where the vessel was launched in 1920.

The tragedy accounted for around a third of the deaths of the British Expeditionary Force at the start of World War Two.

Wreaths were laid at the ceremony, among them one from Dunbartonshire's Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Jill Young MBE.

The ceremony was attended by victims' families, serving military personnel and military veterans.

It was a special spring day for John and Ann Flaherty from Old Kilpatrick as they celebrated their Diamond Wedding.

The couple were married on October 17, 1964.

They were joined at their home in the village by Provost of West Dunbartonshire, Karen Murray Conaghan,
Father McGinley parish priest at St Patrick’s church in Old Kilpatrick and Maureen Cummings DL, who delivered a card containing a celebratory message from King Charles.

Three new UK citizens have been sworn in at a ceremony in the municipal buildings in Dumbarton.

They are Najma Shamoon who originates from Pakistan, Sukdev Singh who originates from India and Jaspreet Kaur who originates from India.

Also in attendance were Hazel Sorrell, the Deputy Provost of West Dunbartonshire and Deputy Lieutenant Kenneth Grieve.

Mr Grieve read a message of welcome to the new citizens from His Majesty King Charles.

Jaspreet Kaur with her family members, Hazel Sorrell right and Kenneth Grieve left.

A local charity set up to help the community during the COVID pandemic and which still supports tens of thousands of people, has received one of the UK’s highest honours.

Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP) was founded in May 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, when volunteers began collecting and delivering prescriptions to vulnerable families who were unable to leave their homes.

Since then, the charity has grown into a vital community service, providing emergency food and toiletries to more than 42,000 people.

Founder Maureen Cummings said, 'what began as a simple act of kindness during lockdown has become a lifeline for so many. This award belongs to every single one of our volunteers who have given their time, heart, and energy to help others.'

Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels was officially presented with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024 at a special ceremony at Clydebank Town Hall.

Maureen added, 'receiving the award, surrounded by our team and community, was incredibly special. We’re honoured beyond words.'

Representatives from OKFP received the award crystal and certificate from the Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Mrs Jill Young MBE, in recognition of their extraordinary dedication to supporting vulnerable people across West Dunbartonshire.

It marks the first time in eight years that a voluntary group in the Dunbartonshire area has received this honour. It is hoped that OKFP’s recognition will inspire further nominations, as many local voluntary organisations continue to carry out vital work deserving of such recognition.

Organisations can be nominated for awards by contacting the Lieutenancy on Dunbartonshire.Lieutenancy@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or 0141 578 8082,

The prestigious accolade – created in 2002 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and continued by His Majesty King Charles III – honours outstanding contributions by local volunteer groups across the UK. OKFP is one of 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations to receive the award this year.

OKFP was founded in May 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, when volunteers began collecting and delivering prescriptions to vulnerable families who were unable to leave their homes. Since then, the charity has grown into a vital community service, providing emergency food and toiletries to more than 42,000 people.

Mrs Jill Young MBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, added: 'Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels represents the true spirit of voluntary service. Their selfless efforts have made a real and lasting difference in the lives of so many across West Dunbartonshire. It was a privilege to present them with this well-earned honour on behalf of His Majesty The King.'

Provost Karen Murray Conaghan of West Dunbartonshire Council also praised the charity, saying: 'This award is a moment of immense pride for our area. Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels has shown what can be achieved when compassion and community come together. Their dedication has made a lasting impact on the lives of thousands, and their recognition at a national level is truly well deserved. I hope this inspires others to celebrate and support the brilliant volunteer groups working tirelessly across West Dunbartonshire.'

Two scouts from the Helensburgh group have completed their Duke of Edinburgh Gold awards.

Calum Vickers and Leila Yuen received their certificates from Dunbartonshire's Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Jill Young MBE, at an awards ceremony in the town.

Leila Yuen Joined scouting in November 2017 and was a Cub, Scout and Explorer. She completed Bronze, Silver and now Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. Calum Vickers Joined scouting in 2013 and was a Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer. He also completed bronze, Silver and Gold awards.

The pair started on their Duke of Edinburgh Award journey by completing their bronze and silver with the group and then completed the five challenges required for the gold.

They both attended residential camps focusing on challenges outwith their usual skill set, completed a four day canoeing expedition, and then undertook volunteering, skills and physical challenges.

They will receive their awards formally in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace later in the year.

Barbara MacDonald, group lead volunteer, said, 'this is an incredible achievement and all at 4th Helensburgh Scout Group are proud of the example they have set to our upcoming young people.'

Ten new UK citizens have been sworn-in at a ceremony in Kilmardinny House in Bearsden.

The new citizens are Micaela May and Amber Rose Grimbeek, Urvashi Singh Mackay, Zaki Khalefa, Mohamad Hadi Shooshtarian, Alexander Frans Manas Fernandez, Vivian Joy Pettigrove, Gaurav Mishra, Abdulwahab Alkhatib and Hong Yu He.

The ceremony was hosted by East Dunbartonshire Registrar Christine Wilkie.

Also in attendance was Provost Gillian Renwick.

A welcome message from King Charles was delivered by Professor Elaine Boyd OBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire.

John and Liz McCafferty met on a blind date at the Continental Cafe in Dumbarton, and married while still teenagers 60 years ago.

Six decades on, their big day has been marked at a special ceremony in the family home in the Castlehill area of the town, with the Provost and the King's representative in attendance.

They married, aged 19, on the 23rd January 1965 at St Michael's Church in Dumbarton, followed by a reception at the Dumbuck Hotel, where the friends who arranged the blind date, Jackie and Lorraine Sweeney, were best man and Matron of Honour. Their daughter Jill arrived in September 1968 and daughter Susan in November 1972.

In his teens, John was an active member of the Air Training Corps and also a champion boxer. While John was a painter and decorator to trade, Liz was a stay at home mum. Once their daughters were both in school, they owned a newsagent in Westbridgend, Dumbarton and the Chocolate Box sweet shop in Alexandria. After giving up the shops, Liz worked as a book keeper and payroll clerk until her retirement. John joined the Civil Service as a storekeeper at HMNB Clyde and moved to become a senior craftsman painter & sign writer, dealing with intricate ship's crests. He become a keen bowler at Dumbarton Bowling Club and is a past president. He is also involved with the Gareloch Civil Service Bowls club of which he was also president.

Today John is still a keen bowler and Liz enjoys knitting and crochet.

Ahead of a family celebration at the Abbotsford Hotel, the couple were joined in their home in Dumbarton by Provost of West Dunbartonshire, Karen Murray Conaghan, and Professor Elaine Boyd OBE DL, who read a goodwill message from His Majesty, King Charles.

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Six new UK citizens have been sworn-in at a ceremony in the municipal buildings in Dumbarton.

The new citizens originally came from Syria, India, Canada, China, Pakistan and Somalia.

The ceremony was officiated by Registrar Lynn Houston and Deputy Lieutenant, Professor Elaine Boyle OBE, read a welcome message from King Charles.

The Provost of West Dunbartonshire, Karen Murray Conaghan, also passed on a congratulatory message and presented new citizens with a quaich.

Five of the recipients lived in West Dunbartonshire and one in Helensburgh.

Six people living in Dunbartonshire have been named in His Majesty King Charles's Birthday Honours List. The former Chief Executive of Glasgow Airport, Derek Provan, who lives in Cumbernauld, was awarded the OBE for services to the aviation industry. The man behind getting the world's oldest ocean-going paddle steamer back in the water has been awarded the MBE. John Beveridge from Helensburgh, who helped restore the Waverley, is working on restoring the Maid of the Loch to her former glory. His award is for services to paddle steamer preservation and charity. Dr Laura Milby from Cumbernauld, until recently the clinical director for general dental services with NHS Lanarkshire, receives the MBE for services to dentistry. A member of Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership is recognised with the MBE for services to Health and Social Care in Glasgow. Anna Toland from Clydebank, is responsible for safeguarding and supporting vulnerable older adults across Glasgow. A Bearsden woman who has volunteered for the Samaritans for more than 50 years receives the British Empire Medal for services to charity. Joan Cameron joined the charity in 1974 during a career break to bring up her children and is still active. A Dumbarton football stalwart has been awarded the BEM for services to football after nearly 60 years with the St Patrick's club in the town. John Rodgers admits to being a terrible player but has been involved in one backroom capacity or another with St Pat's for 58 years. Paying tribute to those recognised in the Honours List, Dunbartonshire's Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Jill Young MBE, said; 'I wish to congratulate every one of them and thank them for the work they do in their fields. Receiving an honour is recognition for them personally, but also for the organisations they represent.'