Ross-shire remembers as piper’s poignant war memorial perfomances help raise £5000-plus for Poppyscotland
HEARTFELT acts of remembrance have taken place across Ross-shire today.
There was a great turnout today for a Remembrance Parade in Dingwall.
A parade gathered at Dingwall Town Hall before marching to the War Memorial at where an act of remembrance was observed.
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Lord-Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, Joanie Whiteford, was amongst those attending.
She thanked The Northern Constabulary Pipe Band for leading the parade, adding “it was so good to see so many young people taking part”.
A moving service was conducted by the Rev Julia Boothby.
The Lord-Lieutenant was accompanied by Sgt Scott Tait, Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet from Dingwall Detachment of 1st Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadet Force.
Mrs Whiteford said: “It is so important that we as a community remember and give thanks to those brave men and women who fought for their country, with many sadly paying the ultimate sacrifice to allow us the freedom we all enjoy, and indeed take for granted today.”
She also represented the King at a service of remembrance in Poolewe and then out at the memorial at Cove to remember those who perished on the Arctic Convoys, a trip Churchill described as “the worst journey in the world”.
She said: “The memorial at Poolewe has been beautifully festooned in poppies, looking absolutely spectacular.”
Rev Heather Widdows led the services, with piper, Fraser Wotherspoon.
Representatives of Ross County Football Club attended multiple Remembrance events over the course of the weekend to pay respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in war.
Elsewhere, a Black Isle based piper paid his respects to the fallen with tributes at a number of war memorials.
Ali Duff, an armed forces veteran also known as the Hairy Piper, is based in Avoch and devotes much of his time to raising funds for Poppyscotland.
At Resolis War Memorial on the Black Isle he played Dawning of the Day followed by Scotland the Brave “to remember those 22 fallen local heroes”.
He also shared a video from Dingwall War Memorial. Mr Duff, who lives with PTSD, thanked everyone who donated to his Poppyscotland appeal saying it had smashed its £5000 target.
He posted: “Can't thank you all enough you guys are awesome.”
The service of remembrance in Alness was attended by Andy Townsend, Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Ross and Cromarty.
