North Ayrshire residents urged to avoid war memorials on Remembrance Sunday

Across the UK, Remembrance Sunday will be very different this year with restrictions in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

North Ayrshire will be no different and there will be no official gatherings to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.

Provost Ian Clarkson said: “While it’s disappointing that there will be no official public ceremonies this year on Remembrance Sunday, it is for a very good reason.

“To protect each other’s health and wellbeing, we must follow expert advice which tells us not to gather in numbers.”

Residents across North Ayrshire are asked to the avoid war memorials in Saltcoats, Stevenston, Irvine, Kilwinning, Ardrossan, West Kilbride, Kilbirnie, Dalry and elsewhere at 11am on Sunday.

Readers are urged to pass the information on to those who do not use social media or do not have access to the internet.

The Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston Branch of The Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) have encouraged their members and those in the community who would like to take part, to take a moment at home on their doorstep on Remembrance Sunday, November 11, at 11am for the two minutes silence to pay their respects.

A spokesperson for the group said: “This year we are involved in another terrible worldwide conflict, with an unseen enemy that is already, sadly taking its toll. But as with previous conflicts we will prevail as long as we all do our bit.

“Personal tributes can still be paid at the War Memorials at a time of your choosing, but where possible, please avoid 11am and following coronavirus legislation ensuring that no more than six people from two families are present.”

Under the new Scottish Government tier system, outdoor events of more than 6 people from 2 different households are not permitted in local authority areas which fall within protection levels 2, 3 and 4 – Ayrshire is under level 3. This means that organised local Remembrance events will not be able to take place unless they are held in a place of worship.

Some local churches are holding restricted services with a number being virtual which can be streamed online.

While wreaths may be laid at war memorials, these will only be done in a way which conforms with the guidelines and no gatherings will be allowed. Provost Clarkson will lay a wreath in Irvine and leave immediately afterwards.

He said: “However, just because we can’t join together in one place, doesn’t mean we can’t pay tribute to the fallen in our own way.

“On Remembrance Sunday, I will be respecting the two-minute silence from my own doorstep and I would encourage North Ayrshire residents to do the same.

“Although we may be apart from each other physically, we can still participate in a joint show of respect and support.”

A spokesperson for the Three Towns RBLS said: “Commemorating our heroes this year we need to include, as well as yourselves, for doing your bit, a new breed of hero, some in uniform some not.

“We include the NHS, care and social workers, council workers and volunteer groups and individuals, shop workers, transport drivers and workers, all emergency services, and all key workers that have kept us going, you know who you are, and we say thank you.”

New and updated Scottish Government guidance on Remembrance events was published on October 30, 2020, and can be viewed here.