IRVINE’S War Memorial at the Townhouse will again be at the centre of this year’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

The memorial has spent the last few years boarded up due to work at the £20million Portal Leisure Centre.

But, like last year, it will once again be the focal point as the town remembers the fallen this Sunday, November 13.

Gatherings are also planned for Friday, November 11 and Friday, November 18 – the 100th anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Somme - and the memorial will be accessible until the Monday, November 21 to allow commemorative visits and for the wreaths to be viewed.

North Ayrshire Council say the arrangements have come as a result of ongoing discussions with the Irvine branch of the Royal British Legion.

As part of the construction works on the new leisure centre site, there was a requirement to relocate the war memorial to a new position. 

And it was agreed last year to relocate it to the prominent spot directly in front of the steps of the Townhouse - almost back to where it was originally erected.

After the memorial services last year, the hoardings were moved back into place in early December to protect the structure during ongoing works.

Councillor Louise McPhater, cabinet member for communities, said: “We’ve worked hard alongside our partners at the British Royal Legion and we’re delighted that the war memorial will take pride of place during the Remembrance Day celebrations.”