COMMUNITIES across Renfrewshire turned out in their hundreds in tribute to those who have died in conflicts on Remembrance Sunday.

Services took place in Paisley, Renfrew and Johnstone as well as six others in villages including Kilbarchan and Bridge of Weir.

In Johnstone community leaders including Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP Mhairi Black, Inspector Cassie Glass of Johnstone Police and local councillors gathered to lay wreaths in tribute to those lost in the line of duty.

Members of Johnstone Pipe Band also paid their respects to the fallen in a parade through the town’s streets, and members of Johnstone Brass Band moved crowds with hymns to mark the occasion.

Cllr Andy Steel, who represents Johnstone South and Elderslie, laid a wreath on behalf of Renfrewshire Council.

He said: “It was one of the proudest days of my life.

“I have had family members who have died in wars so there was a personal aspect for me as well.

“I was proud to be asked to lay a wreath. It was an honour.

“It was a very well-organised and well-attended ceremony, which goes to show how relevant this day is.”

Ms Black said: “It was a privilege to attend the Johnstone Remembrance Day service and pay my respects to the veterans and victims of war at an emotive service in Houstoun Square.”

In Renfrew, Cllr Jim Paterson, who represents the area, laid a wreath at the war memorial in the town centre on behalf of Provost Lorraine Cameron, who paid her respects in Paisley.

Community leaders including Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP Gavin Newlands and Renfrewshire North and West MSP Derek Mackay gathered to honour the fallen while members of the armed forces also marched through the town.

Cllr Paterson said he thought it was an excellent service and thanked the people of Renfrew for turning out “as they always do”.

He said:“It was a real honour to lay a wreath in memory of those who have given their lives for the country.

“Doing this really made me realise just how much this time of year means to people.”

More than 500 people attended the service in Paisley where Provost Cameron joined members of the Royal British Legion at the Cenotaph to remember all those lost in wars and conflicts.

The Provost laid the first wreath followed by more than 30 others from local groups and organisations including the Royal Air Force, 102 Field Squadron, Renfrewshire Council and the emergency services.

The annual Children’s Remembrance Service also took place on Friday at the joint campus of Mossvale and St James’ Primary Schools in Paisley.

P7 pupils from both schools led a service of readings and poetry to Provost Cameron and members of the RBL Paisley Comrades branch, which included a rendition of In Flanders Fields.

Provost Cameron said: “It was an honour to take part in the Remembrance Service on Sunday which gave everyone the opportunity to recognise the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces and the importance of this cannot be misunderstood.

“We must ensure that we remember those who have given their lives to allow us to continue to live ours in peace.

“I was privileged to attend the Children’s Remembrance Service on Friday and it was clear that the message of remembrance remains in our schools, and it is important that the younger generation recognise the importance of remembering the fallen.”