A royal visit to Angus was tinged with sadness as the Princess Royal unveiled a memorial to fallen heroes.
Princess Anne was in Carnoustie on Tuesday as part of a whirlwind tour of the county, taking in charity engagements, business visits and public appearances.
The final stop of the day was at the town’s war memorial where two new bronze plaques were dedicated to Victoria Cross recipients Lance Corporal Charles Jarvis and Petty Officer George Samson, marking their bravery in battle during the First World War.
A crowd of around 150 lined Dundee Street to catch a glimpse of the princess, who arrived at 3pm to a ripple of applause.
She took a salute from servicemen and veterans in the assembled crowd, before presiding padre Canon Douglas Mackay opened proceedings.
Music for the occasion was provided by the Carnoustie High School Band and lone piper Stephen Russell, of Arbroath Royal British Legion Pipe Band.
Lt Col Mike Blair, president of the Carnoustie branch of the British Legion, gave a short address to the gathering, followed by branch chairman Lindsay Martin.
The sun broke through the clouds just as Carnoustie pupil Colette Colman played the Last Post, which was followed by two minutes of silence.
Family members of Mr Samson looked on from the memorial steps as a hush fell on the crowd and the extraordinary actions of both men were remembered.
The biggest cheer was reserved for eight-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Brooke Ramsay, who handed flowers to the princess with the help of twin Amy.
Their mother, Laura Ramsay, said: “We were asked a few months back if the girls would like to do it. They were delighted to meet her.”
Following the service, the princess took around 30 minutes to chat to invited guests and could be heard sharing a joke with one veteran about the weather and asking others about their service during the war.
gbletcher@thecourier.co.ukFor further coverage of the princess’s visit, see Wednesday’s Courier