A special service will take place this weekend to signal the start of the Inverclyde Remembrance commemorations and mark 100 years of wearing the poppy.

The event, organised by Inverclyde Council and charity Poppyscotland, will take place at the Garden of Remembrance in Clyde Square, Greenock, at 11am on Saturday (30 October 2021), hosted by Provost Martin Brennan.

The annual service returns having been cancelled last year due to coronavirus restrictions.

It is also taking place a week earlier than usual to mark the centenary of the poppy being adopted and worn as a symbol of the sacrifices made by people during conflict – and in support of the charity’s fundraising efforts to help current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.

The service is an opportunity to pay respects to the men and women killed in service over the years.

Provost Brennan said:

“This poignant ceremony not only marks the start of the various Armistice and Remembrance commemorations but it raises awareness of Poppyscotland and the important work it does year in, year out supporting Armed Forces personnel past and present and their families.

“The Garden of Remembrance service takes on added significance this year after the 2020 ceremony had to be cancelled and also because it is 100 years since the poppy was first adopted as the symbol of sacrifice, a symbol which is now so powerful and poignant.

“It’s an honour as provost to represent the people of Inverclyde at the service.”

The ceremony will be conducted by Reverend Alan Sorensen, of Wellpark Mid Kirk, and crosses bearing poppies will be laid in the garden by those in attendance, including representatives from Poppyscotland, Inverclyde Council and members of the Sea Cadet Corps, who will form a guard of honour and play a lament.

Following the Garden of Remembrance ceremony, Provost Brennan will mark the memory of those killed in the Blitz by visiting Greenock Cemetery after the service to lay wreaths at the memorials there.