FALKIRK COMMEMORATION 2013 |
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| Saturday 20th July. A fine sunny day brought patriots out in numbers to take part in the annual Falkirk commemoration. A wreath laying ceremony for Sir John de Graeme, Sir John Stewart of Bonkyll and the Men of Bute took place in the Old Parish kirkyard before the Uphall Station Pipe Band struck up a rousing tune to signal the start of the procession to the cairn at Callendar Park. Falkirk High Street was packed and the people of the town watched on as an assortment of tartans, the banners of the Society and a multitude of Saltires passed by. At the cairn Ken Shirra opened proceedings, then the Saltire was raised by local councillor David Alexander who was an invaluable help in getting the cairn built. The sound of the pipes then came from behind the hill as Gordon Aitken led his colour party of standard bearers Paul and Fiona, along with pipers Chris and Alex to the front of the cairn where he placed his sword as the symbol of the cross. |
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Ken gave his customary account of the events of that day in 1298, then introduced the first speaker Amber McCann, who took the place of her husband Lachlan and read out what he wanted to say as well as some of her own words. A magnificent speech, Amber, and well done. Lachlan would have been so proud of you. Amber was then presented with a beautiful hand tooled, family leather targe by John Stewart who made the targe.
Second speaker was Gordon Aitken with a tribute to Lachlan spoken from the heart. The pipes and drums of the Uphall Station Pipe Band then gave us a medley of tunes, after which wreaths and tributes were placed at the foot of the cairn. A particularly poignant moment came as two women and children who claim descent from Sir John de Graeme knelt and touched the sword/cross before laying their tributes to the fallen. |
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The last speaker was then introduced, and Keith Houston, Falkirk co-ordinator for the Yes Scotland campaign gave us a great speech and encouraged us to vote YES at next years referendum. You can't preach to the converted, Keith (lol). Gordon Aitken then led the assembled crowd in a rousing rendition of 'Scots Wha' Hae', before Ken closed the proceedings with an invitation to all to return next year and announced that all would be welcome to attend the evening ceilidh at Camelon Bowling Club.
Despite a relatively poor attendance at the bowling club, some of it due to unavoidable circumstances those who made their way there were treated to a night of music and mayhem, being well entertained by Freedom's Flame and the ever popular Fiery Jack. One of the evenings highlights being a great rendition of Lachlan's tribute song The Ghostrider in the sky by Freedom's Flame where Mikey of the Fieries gave a great backing sound on keyboards and everyone sang along with the words provided. |
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The two bands mixed and matched through the evening to become Fiery Flame or Freedom's Jack and by Midnight everyone was left in no doubt they had been treated to a great musical evening. with"I fought the law" finishing off a mixture of music from The Corries to The Sensational Alex Harvey Band keeping everyone happy.
Fiery Jack. You're welcome back any time! Report by Gordon Aitken. |
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The Society was very well presented by our members |
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Three Blondies |
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Duncan keeping an eye on things |
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Looking the part |
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Smiling faces on a sunny day, apart from the wee yin lol |
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A braw sight indeed |
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The Uphall Station Pipe Band did us proud |
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Ken Shirra addresses the crowd |
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'Faither' |
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Amber delivers a fine speech |
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Great to see our friends the Strathleven Artizans attending |
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Young & old pay their respects |
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Sombre moments |
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This wee fella looked braw |
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Knights Templar lay their wreath |
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Society member Gordon says a few words in remembrance of Lachlan McCann |
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Keith Houston, Falkirk co-ordinator for the Yes Scotland campaign gives us his thoughts |
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Deep in thought |
Donald looking very cool |
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John presents Amber with Lachlan's targe |
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The "McCann" Targe |
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For higher resolution copies and lots more of these photos CLICK HERE |
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| © Society of William Wallace 2007-2024 | The Society of William Wallace is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration number SC045959 |