Lockerbie - a time to remember

WREATHS will be laid, tributes will be paid and remembrances will take place in Lockerbie today to mark the 37th anniversary of the air disaster.

For it was on December 21 1988 that Pan Am 103 Maid of the Seas exploded over and landed on the town, resulting in the deaths of 270 people.

The memorial events got underway earlier in the week at Lockerbie Academy, which held special assemblies to remember the victims.

And on Friday their Syracuse Scholars were “Sitting in Solidarity” at the school cairn, showing respect for the 11 Lockerbie residents and in memory of former pupil Andrew McClune, who died on his year abroad at Syracuse. This was followed by a wreath laying at Dryfesdale Garden of Remembrance at 12.30 pm.

The main day of remembrance is today, Sunday, and final preparations are being made at Tundergarth Kirk for their “Look Back, Act Forward” event this evening.

They have collaborated with Lockerbie Academy, Dryfesdale Lodge Visitor Centre and Syracuse Orange on the service. It takes place at 6.30 pm and will feature uplifting performances from the Lockerbie Community Choir, local singer Emma Cloy and a group of Lockerbie Academy students. There will be some reflections from Syracuse University and Callum Watson will also be playing his mellow Scottish pipes

A spokesperson said: “Tundergarth Kirks Trust would like to invite our wonderful community and friends to our special service of remembrance.

“At 7.03 pm, we will have a minute’s silence to remember those who lost their lives in the attack.

“This is sure to be a lovely evening, followed by festive nibbles and drinks. We realise some people might struggle with transport to the church and we would like to ensure nobody misses out- so get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.”

Meanwhile, the Lockerbie Memorial Church Museum will host their own event this afternoon led by Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries, Fiona Armstrong. She said: “37 years on, it is a time of deep reflection. A time to remember those who died and a time to pay tribute to those who helped this Dumfriesshire community in the days, weeks and years that followed.”

Featured speaker Dr Joseph Morrow, Lord Lyon King of Arms, is another of the VIPs. He added: “I am honoured to be invited to speak at this service of gratitude and remembrance. The compassion shown by the people of Lockerbie and the dedication of the first responders is an example to us all - it will be a privilege share this day with them.”