Service honours fallen soldiers

The service was held at Motherwell Cathedral

The first large ecumenical service in the UK to remember British troops killed or injured in Afghanistan and Iraq has been held in Lanarkshire.

The families of servicemen and women were joined by First Minister Alex Salmond and Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy at Motherwell Cathedral.

The service was organised by Roman Catholic Bishop Joseph Devine.

He said he wanted to honour those who had "paid the ultimate price" in the conflicts.

A total of 39 Scottish servicemen have died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

More than 800 guests, including representatives from the Army, Navy and RAF, were expected to attend the commemoration.

Whatever one may think of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the soldiers are not responsible for the decisions made to go to war Bishop Joseph Devine, Motherwell Diocese

Local school children lit candles in memory of those who have lost their lives or suffered injuries.

Bishop Devine concelebrated the service with the Reverend Dr John McPake, Moderator of the Hamilton Presbytery of the Church of Scotland and the very Reverend Dr Gregor Duncan, Primus Commissary of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Muslim and Jewish faith leaders were also in attendance.

Speaking ahead of the service, Bishop Devine said: "As you may know, over the past year I have made several public statements appealing for respect and kindness to be shown towards our courageous men and women in the Armed Forces.

Bishop Devine said he hoped the service would be a fitting tribute

"Whatever one may think of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the soldiers are not responsible for the decisions made to go to war. "Sadly, however, the young servicemen and women are paying the ultimate price for our engagement in those countries. Their families and friends also have to bear a terrible suffering.

He added: "As I watch the news and witness the heart-breaking procession of coffins returning to the UK, I wonder what I can do to help alleviate the suffering of so many, including those soldiers who are and will remain cruelly wounded in body and mind.

"Our ecumenical service of commemoration will endeavour to make this occasion an honourable and fitting tribute for the fallen and a comfort and blessing for the wounded and their families".

First Minister Alex Salmond praised the courage and commitment of Scotland's Armed Forces.

He said: "The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a significant toll on our armed forces, and we honour the bravery of our service men and women, and the sacrifice of those who did not come home.

"The Scottish government will continue to do all that we can to meet the needs of all of our service personnel, both past and present.

"We owe all of the men and women of our armed forces respect, gratitude and our support."