People in Clydebank are being asked to mark Remembrance Sunday from the safety of their own homes this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In line with national advice, there will be no official service in Clydebank on Sunday, November 8, and people are being advised not to gather at war memorials.

Instead residents and veterans are being encouraged to pay their respects at home by observing the national two-minute silence.

On the day, on behalf of all residents, Provost William Hendrie will lay a wreath at the war memorial at Clydebank Town Hall.

Provost Hendrie said: “2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and it’s so important that despite the situation we find ourselves in, we continue to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“I know people in our community will be disappointed but the safety of all of our residents is paramount and I would ask everyone to instead take the time out of their day on November 8 to remember the fallen in their own personal way at home or by joining the national two minute silence at 11am.”

Last year, hundreds of people turned up to commemorate those who have fallen with services, moments of silent reflection and marches held at memorials in Clydebank Town Hall, Dalmuir Park, Old Kilpatrick and Duntocher.

Gil Paterson MSP said: “The community of Clydebank know more than most and value the reasons for commemorating Armistice Day.

“The Blitz is in the DNA of Clydebank folks.

“So no doubt there will be disappointment, but equally people will recognise that those that lost their lives to save others would not want to put at risk the people of our town because of the pandemic.

“Therefore, it is for the civic leaders to take the responsibility to ensure that the people of Clydebank show their respect collectively through our actions.

“We may be small in number this time, but huge in significance and all in the name of the people in Clydebank.”