THE community gathered over the weekend to pay tribute to those who lost their lives 81 years ago during the Clydebank Blitz.

A service of commemoration was held in the town led by Canon Gerry Tartaglia, of St. Margaret’s and Our Holy Redeemer parishes, and Reverend Gregor McIntyre, of Faifley Parish Church.

Local politicians, including depute provost Karen Conaghan, council leader Jonathan McColl, Clydebank MSP Marie McNair and MP for West Dunbartonshire Martin Docherty-Hughes, marked the day by laying wreaths at the Polish Memorial at Solidarity Plaza and at the Blitz memorial at Old Dalnottar Cemetery.

Also in attendance were a number of consul generals from embassies including France, Germany, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Estonia.

Mr Docherty-Hughes said that he also invited the Ukranian consul general to this year’s commemorations as a mark of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

He said: “It was an honour as West Dunbartonshire’s MP to stand united in solidarity with the consul general of Ukraine, local elected members, and representatives from our European neighbours, to remember the sacrifices made for democracy on the 81st anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz.

“We must never forget the devastation inflicted on the people of Clydebank during the bombing raids of 13th and 14th March 1941.

“The conflict in Ukraine has been a painful reminder of the catastrophe of war, and the need for us to stand together for democracy, peace and human solidarity.”

Laurence Pais, consul general of France, added: “I was honoured to take part in the moving ceremony to commemorate the tragic events of 1941, together with the local authorities, the MP and the MSP, and in solidarity with the Ukrainian consul general.”