ACTOR James Cosmo and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon were among the big names in Clydebank on Sunday.

They were among a host of dignitaries who attended the service at Kilbowie St Andrew’s Church to commemorate the Blitz.

It was the 75th anniversary of when Nazi Germany bombed Clydebank and killed hundreds of people in the town.

The service was delivered by Reverend Margaret Yule and featured accounts of survivors and Game of Thrones actor James Cosmo, 67, delivered an emotional rendition of poem The Holy City which was commissioned especially for the day.

Councillor Denis Agnew managed to get the Braveheart actor from Clydebank to come along to make the reading.

Mr Agnew told the Post: “There was a great turn out on the day at Kilbowie St Andrew’s Church. All of the participants spoke so well, we had stories from people over successive generations speaking about the Blitz. 

“James Cosmo’s reading of The Holy City was absolutely tremendous and it gave a certain poignancy to the occasion. 

“The service by Reverend Margaret Yule was very moving and just right for the day.”

Around 400 attended the event on Sunday and as well as James Cosmo and Nicola Sturgeon, SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson was there, and Scottish Government minister Joe Fitzpatrick.

Mr Agnew described the visits as a “great honour” for Clydebank.

The poem The Holy City by famous Scots playwright Stewart Conn was commissioned by the Clydebank Blitz Memorial Group.

Conn’s work with its distinctive rhythmic and lyrical qualities, has been widely published, anthologised and translated. 

After the service people were able to visit the Blitz Chapel in the church to view an exhibition of newspaper extract, war cabinet minutes and pictures.

Mr Angew said: “One lady was moved to tears standing in the Blitz Chapel — it’s still very raw for some people who survived. We must never forget the people who died and were injured during the Blitz.

“It’s a very important part of Clydebank.”