VE80 celebrations in Inverclyde
A variety of events have been organised in Inverclyde to mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The anniversary is a time for the nation to come together to learn about the stories of those who served and Inverclyde is playing its part.
In the morning of May 8, Inverclyde Council will raise the VE Day flag outside the Municipal Buildings in Clyde Square, Greenock.
Provost Drew McKenzie, together with councillors and senior staff from Inverclyde Council, will attend a service of celebration at Old Gourock and Ashton Parish Church at 11am.
From 12pm to 3pm, celebrations continue at Gourock Church Hall with food, drink, and a wartime display hosted by the Inverclyde Veterans Network.
Later in the day, churches across Inverclyde have been invited to take part in the national bell ringing at 6.30pm.
The evening’s celebrations will start at Lyle Hill with a short service at 9.15pm, followed by the symbolic lighting of the beacon at 9.30pm, accompanied by Piper John McInnes performing a lament.
The Provost will also attend this event, which has been organised by Inverclyde Veterans Network.
The council will also light up red the Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow statue, the Lyle Fountain and the Cross of Lorraine at Lyle Hill in Greenock.
Provost Drew McKenzie said he was looking forward to taking part in the celebrations.
“It is important that we mark these historic events in our nation’s history.
“There may be less people around every year who lived through and remember World War Two but it’s important that the memory of their sacrifices never fades.
“VE Day is one of celebration, of the achievement of this country and her allies in defeating Nazi Germany.
“I am honoured to represent Inverclyde Council at these events and I am sure it will be a moving day.”
The council has worked closely with Inverclyde Veterans Network, which was established in November 2024, and has also allocated them information marquees at our flagship Gourock Highland Games event on May 11 and also at the Comet Festival in Port Glasgow on June 21, which this year forms part of the Port Glasgow 250 celebrations.
Inverclyde Council’s armed forces and veterans champion, Councillor Graeme Brooks, said the veterans were determined to mark VE80.
He said: “We estimate there are more than 2,000 veterans living in Inverclyde.
“VE80 is about celebrating the end of World War Two in Europe but we want all veterans to know there is support there for them.
“May 8 will be a day of celebration and reflection and I’m looking forward to taking part.”
Gordon Sinclair, chair of Inverclyde Veterans Network, said: “We’ve been working on this for a few months now and we’re feeling very positive about what we’re going to be able to produce and deliver for the community of Inverclyde.
“This isn’t Remembrance Day, although there will be a two-minute silence. It’s a day to celebrate and commemorate, especially as veterans, the sacrifices which were made to gain victory over tyranny.”