RENFREW paid tribute to its war dead this week to mark the 100th anniversary of the original unveiling of the town’s roll of honour.

The Gazette: Veterans fell silent as they remembered those who made the ultimate sacrificeVeterans fell silent as they remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice

A special re-dedication ceremony took place at the Hairst Street memorial which carries the names of hundreds of people killed in two world wars and the Falklands conflict.

The Gazette: Pupils and staff from Renfrew schools attended the event to pay their respectsPupils and staff from Renfrew schools attended the event to pay their respects

Local residents, politicians and members of the armed forces fell silent to honour those who had lost their lives, with wreaths and summer flowers laid next to the monument.

The Gazette: Members of Renfrew Burgh Band performed at the poignant ceremonyMembers of Renfrew Burgh Band performed at the poignant ceremony

Also in attendance was the family of paratrooper Lance Corporal James Murdoch, who died in the Falklands conflict in 1982, at the age of 25, as his name is the last one on the memorial.

A small exhibition has also been put together by Renfrew Community Council in the town hall this week, which features pictures of the original unveiling of the town’s roll of honour and those named.

The Gazette: Provost Lorraine Cameron laid a wreathProvost Lorraine Cameron laid a wreath

Moira Searl, deputy chair of Renfrew Community Council, told The Gazette: “The ceremony went smoothly and was well attended by many people from the town.

The Gazette: Silent tribute was paid to those whose names are on the memorial’s roll of honourSilent tribute was paid to those whose names are on the memorial’s roll of honour

“This event was about the community remembering the unveiling of the memorial a century ago and the events that have taken place over these last 100 years.

“The support we were given in organising this event from the Provost and Renfrewshire Council was remarkable, with our local councillors also being really helpful.

The Gazette: Dr Iain Findlay, Deputy Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, delivered a speechDr Iain Findlay, Deputy Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, delivered a speech

“There has also been a lot of cooperation from OneRen, who provided us with a space in the town hall to put our little exhibition up.”

The Gazette: A piper played a poignant lament at the re-dedication ceremonyA piper played a poignant lament at the re-dedication ceremony

To further mark the occasion, Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament welcoming the re-dedication ceremony.

Ms Don said: “I would like to congratulate Renfrew Community Council for all the hard work they’ve put into organising this event.

The Gazette: Cadets played their part in remembering Renfrew’s war deadCadets played their part in remembering Renfrew’s war dead

“This was a very important event for the town and one that respects those who died in times of conflict.

“Renfrew is a close-knit town and those on the memorial’s roll of honour would have been well known in their local communities.”