The lights will go out in council offices in a nationwide reflection to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.
For an hour on the night of Monday August 4, a number of council offices across Argyll and Bute will remain in darkness, with just a single light left on, as part of the national Lights Out experience.
Lights Out invites everyone in the UK to turn off their lights between 10pm and 11pm on August 4, leaving on a single light or candle for a shared moment of reflection 100 years to the day after war broke out.
Hundreds of local authorities, government departments, local and national organisations and places of worship across the UK have signed up to Lights Out.
The project’s central theme comes from the words of Sir Edward Grey, British Foreign Secretary in August 1914, who said: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime”.
Six Argyll and Bute Council offices will be darkened, save for a single lamp lit and placed in a window including Helensburgh’s Municipal Buildings.
Council leader Dick Walsh, said: “Leaving a single lamp burning in a darkened building is a simple but effective visual reminder to stop and reflect on the events of 100 years ago.
“The bravery of those who gave their lives still resonates to this day – our lives today in the 21st century could have turned out very differently had they not been prepared to pay the ultimate price.”
Meanwhile, Helensburgh Heritage Trust is looking to update the war memorial in the town’s Hermitage Park, which is set for a £2m restoration.
Trust chairman Stewart Noble said: “Part of the plans include the war memorial, and the suggestion has been made that, as well as listing those killed in the First and Second World Wars, the names of those killed in more recent conflicts should also be included.
“Is anyone aware of such a list having been made, or is anyone prepared to attempt to draw up such a list? If so, please let me know!”
Stewart can be contacted at nobleg84@btinternet.com
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