The centenary of Johnstone’s war memorial being unveiled will be marked by a ceremony held on Friday.

The memorial, which features a kilted soldier, has stood in the town centre since its unveiling in 1924 and has been at the centre of Johnstone’s Remembrance Day events since.

Attending the ceremony will be the Provost of Renfrewshire, Councillor Lorraine Cameron, and the Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Peter McCarthy, representing King Charles.

There will also be an informal lunch reception afterward in Lilybank Bowling Club to which attendees are invited.

Mr Mark Cadle, of Johnstone ex-Serviceman’s Club, said: “Memorials of this kind are a feature of towns across the UK commemorating those who fell in the first world war and in conflicts since, and while it will not be a ceremony on the scale of Remembrance Day in November we felt the centenary should be marked in some way.

“We’re not expecting the huge crowd which turned out in 1924 but I hope people in Johnstone can spare half an hour to attend and play their part in the town’s ongoing history.”

Cllr Andy Steel, who represents Johnstone South and Elderslie, said “Attending the Remembrance events in an official role has been a huge honour for me. I know how much it meant to older family members that I have been asked to lay the Renfrewshire Council wreath – with men killed on both sides of my family in the second world war it has meant a great deal to be able to take part on both a civic and personal level.

“That’s why I felt it was important the centenary should not go unnoticed. It’s been a bit hectic sorting everything out and I would like to pay tribute to Mark Cadle’s hard work to make it happen.

If you can spare a little time to pay your respects please do come along.”

The event will be held on Friday 10th May at 12 noon.

By Ricky Kelly

Main writer for Renfrewshire News

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