Poignant memorial ceremony for Piper Alpha victims to take place in Aberdeen

A memorial ceremony paying tribute to the 167 men who tragically lost their lives in the Piper Alpha disaster is to take place in Aberdeen tomorrow.

To mark the 30th anniversary of the oil platform tragedy, families, friends and representatives from industry will come together for an act of remembrance taking place at 7pm in the Piper Alpha Memorial Garden at Hazlehead Park.

The service will be led by the Rev Gordon Craig, chaplain to the UK offshore oil and gas industry.

There will be music from Bon Accord Silver Band and, following an address from Mr Craig, oil industry represen-tatives will begin the roll-call of those who lost their lives.

Wreaths will be laid by Lord Provost Barney Crockett on behalf of the city, by Oil & Gas UK chief executive Deirdre Michie on behalf of the industry and by Steve Rae, a trustee of the Pound for Piper Trust, which helps maintain the park’s memorial.

Families, friends, colleagues and well-wishers will then have the opportunity to lay flowers or wreaths.

A lone piper will play a lament followed by a minute’s silence.

The service has been timed to suit the families of those who died in the disaster and to coincide with offshore workers changing shift.

Mr Crockett said: “The shocking events of that night 30 years ago are imprinted on the Aberdeen memory forever.

“We will never forget that 167 men died in the Piper Alpha tragedy, which is why it is so important the city and industry come together for this act of remembrance.

“We want to let those affected, particularly the families, know that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them and our thoughts are with them now and forever.”

Mr Rae said: “The Pound for Piper Trust would like to thank the staff at Aberdeen City Council and Hazlehead Park for making every effort to have these gardens looking at their best for the service.

“We would also like to thank those who give generously and those who work tirelessly to raise funds on the trust’s behalf, as without their continued support the trust would be unable to provide financial assistance to ensure these gardens are maintained.”