Remembrance Day 2023

Services to remember those who gave their lives in conflict will take place across Inverclyde on Remembrance Sunday this weekend.

Traditional commemorations will take place in Greenock, Port Glasgow, Gourock, Kilmacolm, Inverkip and Wemyss Bay.

Church services will take place before wreaths are laid at cenotaphs and war memorials. All services will join in the national two-minute silence at 11am as a mark of respect.

There will be representatives from Inverclyde Council, local MPs and MSPs, representatives of the Lord Lieutenant, the Armed Forces and local organisations at the various Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Provost Drew McKenzie, who will attend the commemorations in Port Glasgow, said: “This is an important time of year where we all take the time to remember and pay tribute to those who gave their lives during the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts.

“Many more suffered serious and life-changing injuries during various conflicts and we also remember their sacrifice.

“Every year I am touched by the number of people from across Inverclyde who come out and pay their own tribute by taking part in the services and honouring the national silence.

“On Remembrance Sunday we come together across all faiths, cultures and backgrounds to honour the service and sacrifice of those in the Armed Forces community and thank them.”

Depute leader of the Council, Councillor Natasha McGuire, will represent the Council at the service in Greenock. Following the service, Lyle Hill will be the focus with a service at approximately 1.30pm to commemorate the personnel of the Free French Navy who were stationed in Greenock during the Second World War.

The Free French memorial on Lyle Hill and the Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow sculpture are both currently illuminated in red to support the Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland and will remain red for Remembrance.

There will also be a national two minute’s silence on Saturday 11th November 2023 at 11am to mark Armistice Day.

All services on Sunday 12 November 2023

Greenock

Wellpark Mid Kirk – 10.45am church service then Greenock Cenotaph at approx. 12.30pm. Parade from Shaw Place to Wellpark at 12.15pm.

Free French Memorial, Lyle Hill – Short service at approx. 1.30pm.

*A wreath will also be laid during the day at Broomhill War Memorial.

Port Glasgow

Port Glasgow New Parish Church – 10.45am church service then Port Glasgow Cenotaph at 12.30pm. Parade from Comet to Cenotaph.

Toll Boys Memorial, Clune Park – Short service at approx. 2.15pm.

*A wreath will also be laid during the day at Woodhall Memorial.

Gourock

Old Gourock and Ashton Church – 10.45am church service then Gourock Cenotaph at approx. 12noon. Parade from church to Cenotaph.