Civic leaders and Legion organisers are to meet to ensure issues ‘never happen again’ after complaints on the timings for the minute’s silence on Remembrance Sunday.

Residents and veterans hit out last week over the silent act of Remembrance being held in the Old Parish Church at 11am – with no similar service at the cenetaph when wreaths were being laid.

However, session clerk David Whitelaw told the Times none of the clergy had been invited to speak at the War Memorial and that the traditional service had taken place in the church for the past 100 years.

He added that he has written to arrange a meeting with all parties to address any issues.

Writing to the Times last week, retired career Royal Marine and local government officer Gerald Bolland MBE said the 11am silence should be held at the war memorial for people of all faiths and none.

He wrote: “I arrived at the memorial site in good time, to observe the two minutes silence at the eleventh hour. Much to my distress and that of others in my vicinity the eleventh hour on Remembrance Sunday came and went, with no formal observance of the act of remembrance.

“It is my understanding that the Irvine Remembrance Day parade was ensconced in the Irvine Old Parish Church at 11am on Remembrance Sunday, with the formalities of remembrance being conducted behind church doors.

“I would wish to politely remind those responsible that the service of remembrance is for those of all faiths and none. Further, is conducted at the appointed War Memorial, critically as it is across the nation and beyond at the ‘eleventh hour’.

“It would be very much appreciated if our remembrance in Irvine could conform to the required national protocols and timings for this event.”

Session clerk David Whitelaw said: “In Irvine for about 100 years a service on the Sunday designated as Armistice Sunday has been held in Irvine Old.

“The service commences at 10.45am and is attended by the council, all the civic bodies organisations. The Silence takes place at 11am. The service is always led by the minister of Irvine Old.

“Following the events on November 14, I have spoken to members of the local clergy and have ascertained that none were invited to lead the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial.”

He continued: “As Session Clerk, I have also written to the Provost to have a meeting with him and all interested parties to ensure a similar circumstance does not occur in 2022.”