GLASGOW was united in its grief at the weekend as people came together to remember the victims of the Clutha tragedy.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined Lord Provost Sadie Docherty at an emotional service in Glasgow Cathedral to mark the first anniversary of the police helicopter crashing into the busy pub and killing 10 people.

With them in the congregation were members of the emergency services, the NHS and social work staff who were all involved in the aftermath of the horror accident.

Mrs Docherty said: "On the anniversary of this black day in Glasgow's history, a day that is indelibly etched on all our hearts, we join together for comfort and to pay our respects.

"So, on this day, for those most directly and intimately affected, those enduring pain and a life with loss, we wish you strength."

Last week, the Evening Times paid tribute to all those affected by the events at the Clutha with a series of moving articles.

At 10.25pm on Saturday November 28 last year, the engines on a police helicopter flying overhead failed and it fell from the sky through the roof of the popular pub which was packed with music lovers.

David Traill, the pilot of the helicopter died along with constables Tony Collins and Kirsty Nelis.

John McGarrigle, Mark O'Prey, Gary Arthur, Colin Gibson, Robert Jenkins and Samuel McGhee died in the Clutha.

Joe Cusker was pulled from the wreckage alive, but died in hospital two weeks later.

Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow Philip Tartaglia, who was at the scene hours after the crash, told the congregation in the Cathedral: "They have not been forgotten, especially not by those who love them most and who miss them most sorely.

"I can never pass by the Clutha Vaults without recalling what happened and whispering a Hail Mary for the dead, injured and bereaved.

"Out of this tragedy we are called to be better, more compassionate, more understanding human beings.

"I would hope we could turn that memory into a legacy which would honour the victims of the Clutha Vaults tragedy so we can say once and for all that their deaths contributed to Glasgow and Scotland becoming a better place for everyone."

After the service Ms Sturgeon said she felt it was important for her to attend the Cathedral as she had been deeply affected by the events of a year ago.

She said: "I think it is important for all of us to send a message to everybody affected by the tragedy, particularly to those who lost a loved one or those who are still struggling to recover from injuries, that we haven't forgotten and that we will never forget. We are thinking of them at this very difficult time."

As the time when the helicopter hit the pub, members of the emergency services and the public gathered in silent tribute at 10.22pm to pay their respects at the Clutha in front of a large number of moving tributes.

Throughout the day, relatives of Clutha victims made emotional journeys to the pub to lay flowers where their loved ones had perished.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk