Monday, 9 November 2026
The Helensburgh community came together on Sunday 8 November to honour the nation’s fallen service personnel during the town’s annual Service of Remembrance at Hermitage Park.
The Annual Service took place in the Garden of Remembrance in Hermitage Park and was led by the Reverend Sue MacGregor, Minister of Helensburgh Parish Church and Chaplain, 1777 Sqn, Dumbarton, Blackburn, and the Reverend George Hunter, Chaplain to the Forces (Volunteer) A&SH Bn ACF.
This year’s event marks the first Helensburgh Remembrance Service attended by Commodore Andy Bray in his role as Naval Base Commander Clyde, underscoring the enduring relationship between HM Naval Base Clyde and the local community.
Commodore Bray said: “It was an honour to stand with our local community in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
“Together, we honoured the fallen, our veterans, serving personnel and the families who support them.
“The ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the cost of conflict, pay tribute to the sacrifices made on our behalf, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that those who served are never forgotten.”
The service was organised by Helensburgh Community Council in partnership with HMNB Clyde, the West of Scotland Submariners Association and the Helensburgh & District Branch of The Royal British Legion Scotland.
A Royal Navy Guard attended alongside the Pipe Major of the Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band, West of Scotland Military Wives Choir, and the HMS Neptune Volunteer Band.
The service began with the hymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save, followed by prayers and a scripture reading. The sounding of The Last Post preceded a two-minute silence, during which those gathered reflected on the sacrifices of servicemen and women past and present.
Following the silence, the West of Scotland Military Wives Choir performed as wreaths were laid by representatives of the Armed Forces, veterans’ organisations, and local groups.
Commodore Bray laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal Navy, alongside representatives from the Submariners Association, The Royal British Legion Scotland, local cadet units, and community organisations.
Musical accompaniment throughout the service was provided by the HMS Neptune Volunteer Band, while the poignant Kohima Epitaph served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations: