FALKIRK COMMEMORATION 2018 |
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| Members of the Society arrived early, and proceeded to set up the tent and ready the new saltire for raising during the commemoration. Some members, dressed appropriately, headed into town to hand out leaflets regarding the event, and meet up with members of The Society of John de Graeme prior to the service at Trinity Kirk. This was conducted as always by Ken Shirra of the Knights Templar, and wreaths were laid at the memorial to the Men of Bute, and the tombs of Sir John Stewart and Sir John de Graeme. Following the service, the march set off for Callendar Park, led (again as always) by the Uphall Station Pipe Band. Crowds gathered as the march took place through the town, and a large number of people were already waiting in Callendar Park for the arrival of the march. | |
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Gathering at Trinity Kirk |
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Ken Shirra conducts the service |
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Ken Shirra conducts the service |
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Making ready to depart |
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Marching through the town |
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Entering the park |
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| The weather was on its best behaviour, and remained fine all day, warm with a light breeze. On entering the park, the Uphall Station Pipe Band played as the marchers took up positions round the monument for the speeches and wreath laying. Ken Shirra welcomed everyone to the cairn, and then Carey Sinclair raised the new saltire above the cairn. Gordon Aitken and party then marched over the hill for the Emplacement of the Sword as Cross, before Ken led the opening prayer, address and prayer of remembrance. | |
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Carey Sinclair raises the saltire |
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Sword Party |
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Ken Shirra opens proceedings |
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| Lesley Matthews gave the first address, a strong and passionate description of the battle and the men involved, This was followed by the Uphall Station Pipe Band playing a selection of tunes, and then the wreaths were laid, one minute's silence observed and a piper played the Lament. | |
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Lesley's speech |
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The wreaths laid |
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The piper plays the Lament |
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| The second speech of the day was from John McNally, MP for Falkirk, and this was warmly received. Following this, those assembled were led by Gordon Aitken in the anthem "Scots Wha Hae", the retiral of the sword party, and a closing benediction by Ken Shirra. Following the service, the crowd were entertained by a stirring performance by Clann an Drumma, enlivened by a young lady who spontaneously gave a lively demonstration of Highland dancing, to much applause from the crowd. Hope to see you all there again next year! A small medieval camp had been set up alongside the cairn, and members of Brittania XIV and Swords of Dalriada entertained the crowd with living history displays, and combat demonstrations. | |
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MP John McNally speaks |
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Gordon leads the crowd in 'Scots Wha Hae' |
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Young lady dancing to Clann an Drumma |
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Clann an Drumma, the Highland Dancer and friends |
Plus a fantastic montage of photos from the day (with appropriate music as background) to be found here, courtesy of the talented Stephany Reilly. |
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Vass Media also posted a video montage of the day on their Facebook Page, along with a number of photgraphs of the event. |
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Special thanks to Michael Balahura, Battle of Falkirk 1298 Society, Amber McCann, Annie Murray, Richard Rushford, Society of John de Graeme, Gary Stewart, and Stephanie and Tam Reilly for all the photos |
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| © Society of William Wallace 2007-2024 | The Society of William Wallace is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration number SC045959 |