Photo appeal brings Armistice 100 commemorations home to the Highlands
A photograph of soldiers marching off to war - taken in Academy Street, Inverness in the early 1900’s - has touched a chord with organisers of the “Highland Armistice 100 - Return to Light” parade and service of commemoration.
Highland Council Convener, Cllr Bill Lobban explained: “While preparing for the Armistice 100 commemorations a photo of young Highlanders marching through the streets of Inverness served as a poignant reminder to us that War hits home across the generations. With a suggestion from Cllr Jimmy Gray, we are asking people in the region and worldwide if they recognise any of the faces in the photo which is curated by High Life Highland in the Highland Photographic Archive.”
The photo can be viewed on the Am Baile website at: http://ow.ly/mIr530mtnAk and anyone recognising those captured by the photographer can email policy6@highland.gov.uk.
Provost of Inverness Cllr Helen Carmichael said: “The photo is being used to promote the Highland Armistice 100 - Return to Light parade and service of commemoration which are being held on Saturday 10 November 2018. The Council is delighted to host this event together with the congregation of Old High St Stephen’s Church.”
At 3pm on Saturday 10th a Memorial Candle will be taken in procession from St Andrews Cathedral to the Old High Church, Inverness. The planned route of the procession is along Ardross Street, Ardross Terrace, Ness Walk, across Ness Bridge, Bank Street, Fraser Street and along Church Street ending at the Old High Church at 3.20pm.
A Highland-wide ecumenical service of commemoration, commencing at 3.30pm will then be conducted by Reverend Peter Nimmo to mark the 100th anniversary of the World War 1 Armistice.
Reverend Nimmo said: “At the service of commemoration, I will be joined by the Rev Fiona Smith from Ness Bank Church, and the Rev Sarah Murray from Inverness Cathedral. We will be telling stories of some of those who did not return at the Armistice - just a few of many stories from a generation which suffered so much. And we will pray for peace and understanding, so that we avoid the folly of war in future.”
The Old High Church will be open on 7, 8 and 9 November from 10am - 12 noon and from 2 - 4pm. During these three days visitors can view the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders Memorial area within the church, and also see a display illustrating life in Inverness during World War 1.
On the morning of Sunday 11 November at 6am, pipers with the City of Inverness Pipe Band and the Inverness Royal British Legion Pipe Band will take part in the nation’s tribute and mass playing of the retreat march, “When the Battle’s O’er”. They will form up and perform at Inverness Castle esplanade.
Also on Sunday 11th there will be a Remembrance parade to, and service held at Cavell Gardens War Memorial in Inverness. The service will start at 10:45am to coincide with the national 2 minute silence at 11am.
Return to Light Parade 10.11.18
1450 Parade forms up on Ardross Street, Inverness
1455 Candle removed from St Andrews Cathedral and joins parade.
1500 Parade moves off from Cathedral.
Route - Ardross Street, Ardross Terrace, Ness Walk, Ness Bridge, Bank Street, Fraser Street, Church Street ending at the Old High Church at 1520hrs
1530 Move into Church for service
1600 End of Service
The Battle’s O’er 11.11.18
0550 Form up at Inverness Castle esplanade.
0600 Pipe Bands play When the Battle’s O’er.
0615 End of Event.
Remembrance Parade 11.11.18
1010 Inverness Councillors form up at the front of the Inverness Town House.
1020 Join Royal British Legion Scotland & uniformed groups’ parade, Ness Bridge. Route – Bridge Street, Ness Walk, Cavell Gardens War Memorial.
1045 Ceremony starts.
1100 start the 2 minute silence.
1102 end the 2 minute silence.
1115 Ceremony ends
1120 Parade returns. Route - Cavell Gardens, Ness Walk, Bridge Street.
Please also visit the Old High St Stephen’s Church website at: http://www.oldhighststephens.com/