CHINOOK HELICOPTER CRASH 25th ANNIVERSARY

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On Sunday, local MP Brendan O’Hara joined the congregation of Southend Parish Church and the wider communities of Campbeltown and Southend to remember the 29 people who died in the Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre exactly 25 years ago.

Along with Lord Lieutenant Patrick Stewart, local councillors and representatives of Argyll & Bute Council, Mr. O’Hara attended the church service in Southend before heading to the memorial cairn on the Mull of Kintyre when the tragedy occurred.

Speaking after the event Mr O’Hara said;

The events organised by the local community to remember those who lost their lives on that night 25 years ago, were both fitting and moving. It was an honour to have been invited to attend this solemn event and I congratulate everyone involved in allowing the communities of Southend and those from further afield, to come together to remember the terrible events of that night and to show their respects.”

He added;

I would also like to add my sincere thanks to the Church of Scotland and in particular, Rev. Roddy McNidder who has, for the past twenty-five years campaigned for justice for those who lost their lives by seeking the truth about the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. 
Had it not been for the tireless work of Rev. McNidder, I fear much of the evidence that could lead us to establishing what exactly happened that night, may not have been retained in official files. I very much welcome recent confirmation from the Ministry of Defence that they will not destroy the files that may in future, shed light on the truth on why those 29 people died.”