Bathgate will host its first workers memorial service since before the pandemic, this week.
The remembrance service coincides with the International Workers' Memorial Day - a day dedicated to workers who died, were injured, or were otherwise negatively impacted at work.
Workers are commemorated worldwide every year on April 28, with the West Lothian remembrance being held in the Balbardie Park of Peace in Bathgate.
The service will begin with an introduction from George Paul, chair of the West Lothian Trade Union Council (TUC), followed by an opening statement from Provost Tom Kerr.
Speaking at this year’s service is Denise Christie, an active member of the Fire Brigade Union.
The service itself will open with a prayer from Reverend Chris Galbraith followed by the laying of floral wreaths.
Another prayer will take place and then there will be a minute’s silence.
The service will conclude with a lament on the bagpipes by piper, Grant Walker, playing ‘Floo’ers o’ the Forest’.
A buffet will be held at the Bathgate Xcite Sports Centre after the service, with sandwiches and refreshments to be served.
Councillor and current chair of the West Lothian Trade Union Council, George Paul, spoke about the memorial day.
He said: “We’ve not been able to host a workers memorial day in person for the last two years, although we did lay a wreath down both years to commemorate workers worldwide.
“The memorial is important. It’s run for 20-odd years now and it’s a thing that needs to keep going to honour workers lost at work and to let their relatives know they’re not forgotten.
“The memorial isn’t specific to West Lothian either, anyone from anywhere can come to the memorial service to remember workers worldwide.”
Jim Swan introduced the concept of a worker’s memorial day to West Lothian 20 years ago in 1992, hosting the remembrance through the Lothian Federation of Trade Union Councils to develop it.
The Scottish TUC also passed a resolution formally adopting Workers’ Memorial Day in Scotland.
Convener Jimmy McGinley of West Lothian District Council planted a memorial tree in honour of workers worldwide.
A memorial shrub bed was also donated by Bathgate Community Council.
A memorial for workers in the middle of Balbardie Peace Park reads ‘mourn the dead and fight for the living’ a phrase that originates in Canada alongside the International Workers’ Memorial Day.
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