West Lothian has marked International Workers Memorial Day with a special service in Balbardie Park of Peace, Bathgate.
A moving service was held on Friday 28 April, which included the laying of floral tributes, a minute of silence and the Flowers o’ the Forest lament played by Boghall and Bathgate Pipe Band’s Grant Walker.
A number of local trade unions and politicians took part in the event, along with representatives from West Lothian Council, nearby Balbardie Primary School and other groups.
Depute Leader of West Lothian Council Kirsteen Sullivan, who delivered the opening address at the service, said: “Workers Memorial Day serves as an important reminder for us all, to make sure that workplace safety remains a top priority.
“Thankfully conditions for most have improved significantly in recent years, but it’s vital we remember the lessons from the past and continue to learn from them.”
International Workers’ Memorial Day takes place every year on 28 April to remember those who were killed or injured in the course of their work. Originating from Canada, the event is now widely marked around the world as a way to highlight the need for improved workplace safety.
The permanent memorial to workers sits in Balbardie Park of Peace near the Xcite Bathgate sports centre and includes the slogan of “Mourn the dead and fight for the living” associated with the day.
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