PICTURES: Wick's Remembrance Sunday ceremony: 'We should never ever forget the sacrifices that were made'
A crowd of several hundred gathered around the Wick war memorial on Remembrance Sunday against a backdrop of clear blue skies and unusually mild November temperatures.
At 11am the quiet streets echoed to the loud boom of a rocket, signifying the start of a two-minute silence in honour of the fallen which was observed impeccably.
Wick RBLS Pipe Band had led the parade to the memorial where wreaths were laid by the Royal British Legion Scotland, local uniformed organisations, emergency services and schools.
Vice-Lieutenant Willie Watt represented the Lieutenancy of Caithness.
Pipe Major Leslie Campbell of Wick RBLS Pipe Band played the lament Flowers of the Forest.
Leslie O'Neill, locum minister at Wick St Fergus Church, gave a reading and sang God Save the King.
Robbie Mackintosh again served as parade commander on behalf of the Wick, Canisbay and Latheron branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland.
He said the turnout had been “brilliant”, although he regretted the reduced number of cadets compared with previous years.
Mr Mackintosh said he hoped remembrance commemorations will “never die away”.
He said: “It's just a pity there are not more cadets. The air cadets have not re-formed after Covid and there are no sea cadets now.
“But the turnout from the public is brilliant – really good.
“And it's lovely to see the pipe band. It's fantastic, and very close to my heart.”
Mr Mackintosh explained that he has made four visits to World War I war graves in France and Belgium.
“When you get there you can never comprehend the sacrifices that these people made,” he said. “They knew they were going to lose their lives, there was no question about it.”
Mr Mackintosh has been involved with the Remembrance Sunday parade for 33 years, firstly with the standard-bearer party and for the past nine years as parade commander.
Terry Almond, of Latheron, was among those proudly wearing medals at the ceremony in Wick.
He believes it remains as important as ever to commemorate those who gave their lives in two world wars and other conflicts.
“It has got to be remembered because of what people have done in the past and the service they have given,” Mr Almond said. “They have given their lives so that we can be here today.”
Silhouettes of servicemen were positioned on the grassy bank above the war memorial.
The memorial itself will mark its centenary next year, having been erected in 1923.
