INVERCLYDE is set to join a national campaign to remember the fallen from the First World War.
Councillors have decided to back the ‘There but not there’ campaign by purchasing and installing seven specially designed sculptures.
The sculptures, known as Tommies, depict the outline of soldiers.
They will be placed in each of the district's towns and villages close to or at an existing war memorial.
Council leader Stephen McCabe said: “This year marks a significant occasion as we remember 100 years since the guns fell silent in the First World War.
“The campaign ‘There but not there’ provides a haunting and moving memorial to the fallen soldiers of that war, where so many lives were lost.
“It is right that every community in Inverclyde gets the chance to be involved in this campaign and to remember the sacrifices made then and today by our armed services.”
The Tommies - costing £750 each with a small additional cost for installation - will be placed in Greenock, Gourock, Inverkip, Kilmacolm, Port Glasgow, Wemyss Bay and Quarrier's Village as part of November’s remembrance commemorations.
Councillor David Wilson welcomed the purchase and installation of the sculptures.
He said: “I think the fact we are purchasing seven Tommies is brilliant.
"Many local councils are only buying one or two.
"Constituents will be pleased that all areas are involved.”
As well as the installation of the Tommies, elected members have agreed to support the RAF Cadets in celebrating the 100th birthday of the RAF.
The year of celebrations started in April and the cadets are looking to arrange a fundraising ball in Greenock Town Hall.
The council will also incorporate an RAF100 theme to the performance at the annual fireworks show on November 3.
Inverclyde’s veterans champion, Councillor Gerry Dorrian, said: “Inverclyde and our towns and villages have long associations with the armed services.
"As we mark 100 years since the end of first war and the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force, these are significant occasions worthy of our commemoration and celebration.
“The installation of the Tommies in every town and village across Inverclyde will connect all of Inverclyde’s communities together to remember.
“As well as the Tommies, the council has also joined forces with the RAF cadets to celebrate 100 years since the creation of the RAF.”
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