Pictures: The Three Towns mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

It was a celebration of the storming of the Normandy beaches, which would ultimately lead to the end of the Second World War.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

But it was also a day touched with poignancy as Royal British Legion members and local folk remembered those who gave their lives on those beaches in the cause of freedom.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

In the evening, despite rain and strong winds, crowds flocked to the harbour as the beacon was lit, linking with a chain of similar flaming tributes around the country.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

The day's events had began with Legion members from the Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston branches holding services in the Three Towns, and also adding a presence to the service taking place in West Kilbride.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Branch president Paul Coffey said: "This is the first time I can remember that we had well supported services across the Three Towns at the same time.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

"At Stevenston memorial at 11am, we had a minister, piper and Auchenharvie Academy supplied a bugler and its choir.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

"The crypt style memorial in Stevenston is located as part of the front of a busy office, so people were coming and going during the service.

"The original Legion lead was taken ill and dropped out at last minute, we all hope Jim makes a full recovery. But overall it was well attended and respects were paid and wreaths laid as planned.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

"At Saltcoats Memorial, we gathered for the service at 11am, we had a minister, piper and Standards to support the Legions service of remembrance. Members of the public joined us as we paid our respects.

"The Ayrshire Yeomanry’s involvements in D-Day was mentioned then wreaths were laid and the service concluded with a blessing."

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Mr Coffey continued: "At Ardrossan Garden of Remembrance at 11am we had a minister/priest, piper and Standards, plus pupils from Ardrossan Academy who participated in the service. Members of the public also joined Legion members in paying our respects. Wreaths were laid and a final blessing  given the service was concluded."

"The SAS Branch was also invited to support West Kilbride D-Day service, which we were honoured to do so, with Legion members laying a wreath and parading the Kings colours."

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

At 8pm on Thursday evening, Legion members gathered again at Saltcoats memorial. After a short service, a flame was lit, then carried by Legion members towards the memorial beacon on the Saltcoats Harbour tower.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

The weather at first was dry but windy and the procession to the beacon was joined by many members of the public.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

At Saltcoats Harbour, they were met by the Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band and the Legion Standards. From there, the procession formed up and, to the sounds of the pipes, they marched to Saltcoats Harbour Tower carrying the flame of peace and hope.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Councillor Jim Montgomery gave the opening remarks before Legion president Mr Coffey read the D-Day 80 International Proclamation, followed by the ‘Tribute’.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

However, by then, the weather had started to turn very windy and wet, so after a blessing from Rev Jim Smith, the flame was handed over and taken to the tower where the Beacon was lit. After a couple of minutes fighting the wind and rain, the beacon ignited in a flurry of burning hay that could probably be seen for many miles. And it formed part of the National Beacons across the country, spreading the words of peace and hope.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Mr Coffey said: "The Legion would like to thank the three ministers, Auchenharvie and Ardrossan Academies and of course the Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band for their support during the day.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

"It was also great to see all those members of the public who came to pay their respects for what happened for all of us on that historic day 80 years ago."