[What follows is the text of a report published today on the DnG24 website:]
A plan to honour the 270 people who lost their lives in the Lockerbie air disaster has been revealed.
This year marks 30 years since the December 21 attack in 1988.
And this week Lockerbie Community Council announced their chosen tribute.
Helping them reach their decision was a a survey, conducted by the Annandale Herald in conjunction with the town council, which netted over 500 responses.
The online survey asked two questions: firstly, if locals thought the anniversary should be marked, with 86 per cent of respondents voting yes.
A second question asked how the date should be honoured, listing five options: a minute’s silence the in town, ceremony at the cemetery, civic reception, no event, or another idea.
Coming out top was the option of a ceremony at the cemetery, preferred by 47 per cent of people.
Meanwhile, the second preferred option, with 21 per cent of the vote, was a minute’s silence.
As well as the survey, locals were strongly encouraged to contact the community group to let their suggestions on how best to mark the anniversary be known.
Speaking this week, Jan Andrews, chairwoman of Lockerbie Community Council, said: “We consulted with the town from January this year.
“We had an online survey and, not forgetting those who do not use computers, we also urged locals to come to our meetings or contact us in anyway to let their thoughts, wishes and ideas be known.
“Following consultation, we have listened to the public and they do not want a repeat of the 25th anniversary events. Instead they want an entirely more subtle tribute to remember and respect all those involved in the disaster.”
As a result, a wreath laying ceremony will take place at Lockerbie Garden of Remembrance at 12 noon on Friday December 21.
It will include speeches and be conducted by Lord Lieutenant Fiona Armstrong.
Lockerbie RBL [Royal British Legion] Pipe Band will be in attendance, as well as a host of local groups wishing to lay wreaths, and townsfolk are strongly encouraged to attend.
Any group wishing to be involved should contact Lockerbie Community Council, care of Lockerbie Town Hall, or speak to Jan Andrews for further information.
Can i ask why the local Lockerbie Salvation Army band were not invited to take part after all due to the disaster The Salvation Army was established in the town a few years later. The Salvation Army is commonly known as the 4th emergency service and had vans from Carlisle & Glasgow serving up hot food & drinks
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