PLANS for a much-reduced Remembrance Sunday commemoration at Helensburgh’s war memorial have been scrapped in order to ensure compliance with the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 restrictions.
Helensburgh Community Council had planned a service on a significantly smaller scale than previous years because of the pandemic, but following publication of the detail of the Level 2 restrictions, which apply across Argyll and Bute, there will now be no service at all.
Under the Level 2 restrictions for Scotland, outdoor events involving more than six people from two different households are not permitted.
This means that organised Remembrance Sunday events are not allowed unless they are held in a place of worship – and even then, such indoor services must be held with limited attendance and strict social distancing in place.
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The Friends of Hermitage Park said in a statement: “The War Memorial will be open until dusk and is open every day until 4pm.
“The community are invited to pay their respects on Sunday, and at any time, but organisers ask that people do not congregate for 11am, and instead come later in the day or over the course of the week.”
An update shared online by Cardross Parish Church said: “In accordance with present government guidelines a formal parade and act of commemoration will not take place in Cardross on Sunday, November 8.
“Wreaths will be laid at the war memorial by representatives of civic and youth organisations on Sunday but no public gathering is permitted.
“A service of remembrance will be held inside Cardross Parish Church at 11.15am. This will be an ecumenical service.
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“However, due to social distancing regulations numbers of people attending worship will be limited.
“Those from the community wishing to attend should advise the clerk to the Kirk Session (Mrs Maureen Walker, 01389 841782, email maureen.walker54@btinternet.com) by Friday, November 6.”
Meanwhile, local organisations in Cove and Kilcreggan are being invited to place wreaths at the memorial opposite Cove Burgh Hall before 12 noon on Sunday, but again, there will be no service and no gathering.
Similarly, in Arrochar, gathering is not permitted at the war memorial, but arrangements are being made for the laying of wreaths by local representatives during the course of the day.
The general public can still visit the memorial in their own time, while adhering to social distancing requirements.
The Garelochhead Station Trust is also offering community members the chance to record memories of their loved ones on a 'Remembrance Tree' at the village's Gibson Hall, any time between 10am - 3pm on Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7.
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