The City of Stirling is dominated by Stirling Castle, the most strategically important castle in Scottish history. Near the Castle is the magnificent church of the Holy Rude. On Remembrance Sunday, 9 November 2008, a Remembrance Service took place at Holy Rude to honour our military personnel who lost their lives in the service of us, the people who put a cross on a ballot paper.
After the service, the dignitaries and important people took up position in front of the municipal building in Corn Exchange Road where the slightly raised platform allowed us to see Mrs Marjory McLachlan the Lord Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk. By her side was Provost of Stirling Fergus Woods TD in fine kilted regalia.
Provost Fergus returned the salute as the parade came down Spittal Street and swung right for an eyes-right in real military fashion.
The parade was led by a pipe band that had no name. Maybe we should call them, ‘Clint Eastwood’ (mmm you had to see the movie). They were in fact a magnificent collection of pipers and drummers from serving and ex service and TA (Territorial Army).
They were followed by the Standard Bearers (Colour Party). First was the Queens Colour (The Union Flag) carried by John Bell, followed by the RBLS Stirling Branch Standard (Tri Service Rep) carried by Alan Jack MBE, then the Royal Naval Association Branch Standard (the Senior Service), carried by Andy McDonald MBE. On his right is the Royal Engineers Association Forth Valley Branch Standard (Red with two blue lines) carried by Eddie Lyle and on Andy's left hand side is the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Branch Standard carried by Chalky White.
They were followed by the old and bold still able to undertake the march down the hill. Following them were Army cadets, Air Force Cadets, Scouts and the Ambulance Service.
Bringing up the rear are 3 individuals wearing bright yellow fluorescent jackets, the Road Marshall carrying a wreath closest to the camera is Mike Prunty, ex Royal Highland Fusiliers, the holder of a DSM (Distinguished Service Medal), awarded for saving the lives of comrades under fire in Singapore.
They were watched by the good folks of Stirling who managed to brave some real heavy rain showers and hail.
The service at the War Memorial was taken by the Rev. Ian Paterson, the Interim Moderator of the Church of the Holy Rude. The most senior (by rank and serving) soldier on parade was Colonel A. Taverner, the Deputy Commander 51st (Scottish) Brigade.
The lament was played by Pipe Major Sandy Davidson MBE and the Last Post and Reveille was played by Bugler Fraser Harris.