East Renfrewshire fell silent on Sunday as Remembrance services took place to honour the war fallen.

Veterans were joined by members of the emergency services, politicians and local residents at poignant events held in Barrhead, Neilston and elsewhere.

In Barrhead, members of the United Services Club led a parade that left from the town’s Paisley Road towards Cowan Park, where a service and wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial took place on Sunday afternoon.

Provost Jim Fletcher, who laid a wreath at the service on behalf of the people of East Renfrewshire, told the Barrhead News: “It was an honour to attend the various Remembrance Sunday services across the area.

“The anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I in 1918 is an important opportunity to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives and made sacrifices for our country to protect our lives and freedoms.

“To be able to attend in person, after the pandemic curtailed proceedings last year, made this year’s services even more special. We must never forget.”

East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald, who also attended the Cowan Park service, said: “I found this a very moving service and was grateful for the opportunity to commemorate all those from East Renfrewshire who lost their lives in conflict.

“It was good to see community organisations and uniformed services paying their respects alongside local veterans. I was especially pleased to see so many young people participating from local schools and youth organisations.

“Thanks are due to all who organised the service and to Barrhead & District Pipe Band for their beautiful and very moving music.”

Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur, who represents Barrhead, added: “It was an honour to attend the Remembrance services this year, and commemorate the service members who fought to keep us safe.

“I would also like to commend the organisers and thank them for their work to ensure everyone was able to pay tribute safely and respectfully.”

Elsewhere, there was some controversy after the Neilston and District Pipe Band were prevented by police from leading the annual parade past two churches in the village.

Matt Drennan, secretary of the Neilston War Memorial Association (NWMA), said: “The police stipulated that the pipe band weren’t allowed to play within 100 yards of a place of worship.

“It is usually completely uncontentious, but this time the band had to go to the memorial and play stationary as the parade walked up the street silently.

“It was rather disappointing and also quite humiliating, so it did put a damper on the event.”

The NWMA have now filed a complaint to Police Scotland about the incident.