Tain remembrance event pulled after police tell organisers to cancel
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A row broke out over the staging of a VE Day remembrance event in Tain.
Furious townsfolk took to social media to berate the organisers of the 15-minute event, for encouraging people to gather together.
The event had been organised by the Tain branch of the British Legion in Scotland along with Councillor Alasdair Rhind.
It had been due to be held on Friday at the Mercat Cross at 10.50am.
However, after the police contacted Mr Rhind, on Wednesday morning, he immediately cancelled the event.
Mr Rhind, who represents Tain and Easter Ross said: "It is a very sad day indeed when we can not be trusted to be together in a socially distanced way to remember those who perished in the second world war.
"The event was due to be a short respectful moment held outside in the open air. I do not believe there would have been more than 10 people there.
"If you think about the numbers of people in a confined space in a supermarket, then there would have been no more gathered together for this short act of respect.
"It is a great shame that we could not have been trusted to do that in memory of the end of the war in Europe."
North, West and Central Sutherland Councillor, Kirsteen Currie raised a problem with the event, she said: "The atrocities and hardship suffered throughout Europe during World War Two should never be forgotten, neither should our brave service men and women who fought and suffered in this, and other, conflicts.
"The Royal British Legion are very clear in their advice, show our respects and remember those who fought to bring an end to fascism and terror by marking the event at home. They are also hosting online events from London and have put together a programme of events for people to show their respect for the service and sacrifice of the World War Two generation.
"It is clear that the Highlands are far from the end of the pandemic and now is not the time to become complacent and organise public events. I'm astonished that this event had been organised in Tain, we must do all that we can to keep each other safe and show our respect for our veterans.
"I was deeply saddened to hear of many veterans who are being looked after in Erskine facilities throughout Scotland lose their lives due to Covid-19; we owe it to them, along with every other family who is grieving a loss, to stay at home and mark our respects in a safe way."
