Ian Ramsay, Convenor of the 1820 Society, warmly welcomed all to this year's Annual Bonnymuir Commemoration, set in the field where the skirmish took place on 5th April 1820. Falkirk Provost, PAT REID, was the principal guest speaker at this year's Annual Commemoration of the Battle of Bonnymuir, held in glorious sunshine at the new Bonnymuir Memorial and organised by The 1820 Society. He pointed out that the sacrifices made by the men of 1820 - three of whom were executed for their political beliefs - amounted to a salutary reminder to all of us not to take our democratic political system for granted, especially as the Radicals' struggle for social justice was still as relevant today as it was then.�
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He was ably supported by the SNP's Councillor MARTIN OLIVER�(deputising for the SNP Group Leader DAVID ALEXANDER),�by KEVIN MCVEY,�National Secretary of the Scottish Socialist Party and by KEN SHIRRA, of the Camelon Local History Group. Also speaking was JOHN BURKE�of the Condorrat Tenants and Residents Association who updated us on the forthcoming Condorrat Memorial Wall Unveiling Ceremony planned for the not too distant future.�
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Prior to the speeches the 1820 Society wreath was laid by 12 year old HEATHER FLOOD of Paisley, eldest granddaughter of the 1820 Society's late Honory Vice-President, the Renfrewshire Councillor, JIM MITCHELL.�
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Following the closing remarks and thanks by Ian Ramsay the assembled party gathered at the nearby Bonnybridge Community Centre for refreshments and buffet kindly organised by Provost Reid.