A POIGNANT ceremony was held in Greenock to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States.

Local firefighters were joined by special guests including former Provost Ciano Rebecchi and Reverend Neil Galbraith of Glasgow The Caring City, a charity that supported bereaved families in the aftermath of the tragedy.

A minute's silence was observed, and wreaths were laid at a memorial cairn built by Greenock firefighters and dedicated the year after the tragedy to the 343 New York City firefighters who died in the line of duty.

Firefighters pay respects to their comrades (Image: George Munro)

Firefighters pay respects to their comrades (Image: George Munro)

Mr Rebecchi said: "It brings back memories of the day it happened.

"For four years the families of firefighters who lost their lives came over to Scotland.

"I remember showing them round the council buildings and taking them into the Provost's Room.

The cairn outside the fire station (Image: George Munro)

Crew Commander Murray McMillan lays a poppy wreath (Image: George Munro)