Service to commemorate Clutha victims
- Published
David Traill, Kirsty Nelis and Tony Collins were on board the Police Scotland helicopter when it crashed into the Clutha Bar
The victims of the Clutha helicopter tragedy have been commemorated at an annual memorial service for police officers who have died while on duty.
Families, colleagues and officials from across the UK joined a congregation of 1,200 people in Edinburgh for National Police Memorial Day.
A police helicopter pilot and two constables were among the ten people who died in the Clutha crash.
The service was held at the International Conference Centre.
A wreath was to laid to remember the people who died when the Police Scotland helicopter crashed through the roof of the Clutha bar in Glasgow on 29 November 2013.
Candles were also to be lit for officers throughout the UK who have died while on duty since modern policing began.
All those who were in the helicopter, pilot David Traill, who was attached to Police Scotland's air support unit, and police constables Tony Collins and Kirsty Nelis were killed when the Eurocopter EC 135 crashed into the building.
'Ultimate sacrifice'
Those killed in the pub were John McGarrigle, Mark O'Prey, Gary Arthur, Colin Gibson, Robert Jenkins and Samuel McGhee. Joe Cusker was pulled from the wreckage alive but later died in hospital.
Sgt Joe Holness, who founded the commemoration, said: "This special day gives us the opportunity to come together as a nation to remember our loved ones, friends and colleagues who have made the ultimate sacrifice whilst protecting the communities they served.
"It is an honourable day and a poignant reminder of the dangerous nature of policing."
Prince Charles is the patron of the memorial service, which will also be attended by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Ms Sturgeon said: "We will never forget their courage, and my thoughts are very much with families, friends and colleagues of those who have died.
"I hope they are reassured and comforted by our continued respect and gratitude for the contribution made by their loved ones."