A significant and poignant milestone in the history of Troon took place when a rededication ceremony was held at the town’s War Memorial.
It is 100 years since the Cenotaph, on the Esplanade, was first unveiled and a ceremony to mark the historic occasion was held on Saturday, November 30.
Speeches were delivered by Andrew Girvan (BEM), ex Sgt Royal Artillery and RBL Troon President, Major David Dickson Deputy LL and Mr Iain Campbell (Provost).
And the Lord Lieutenant, Sheriff Iona McDonald, laid the wreath and gave the Tryst and Kohima Epitaph.
Music was provided by Pipe Major Christopher Bone and members of the Troon Boys Brigade Pipe Band.
There was a welcome and introduction on behalf of the RBL Chair and the background and history of the Memorial was outlined by the RBL President.
The Troon Boys Brigade Pipe Band produced a stirring rendition of Flower of Scotland, before the Captains of Marr College, Megan Laughlin and Logan Roberts, recited Psalm 46- which began with ‘God is our refuge and our strength.’
The re-dedication of the Memorial was conducted by Major David Dickson, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, and a Prayer of Dedication was read by Rev Gillean Richmond, British Legion Padre and Church of Scotland Minister for Troon, and Father Willie Boyd, from Our Lady of the Assumption, Troon.
Provost Campbell addressed the assembled crowd before Troon Boys Brigade Pipe Band played ‘Amazing Grace’ as the Lord Lieutenant of South Ayrshire, laid a wreath at the foot of the cenotaph.
Before the ceremony drew to a close “The Last Post and Reveille” could be heard above the silence and Rev Richmond and Father Boyd recited the Benediction.
Also in attendance were Central Ayrshire MP, Alan Gemmell, and Vice Admiral Sir Thomas Baird KCB, who is 100 years-old and lives in Ayrshire.
Brigadier Charles Coull (VR) and Major Alistair Guzowski of 6th Scots, were also in attendance.
The was representations from Kilmarnock RBL and Saltcoats Ardrossan and Stevenston RBL too, wilth a presence also from the 28th Ayrshire Scouts, 6th Troon Guides and Brownies. Army Cadet Corps, (Troon Para).
Other groups and individuals included the RNLI, Troon Round Table, Troon Rotary, South Ayrshire Councillors Mr Phillip Saxton and Mr Bob Pollock, Troon Community Council Chair Frances Carson and a healthy turnout from the people of Troon.