8.1 C
London
Friday, March 29, 2024

Scotland falls silent to remember war dead

Edinburgh commemorated those lost in the warsPA Media

Crowds gathered across Scotland on Remembrance Sunday to commemorate those who lost their lives in conflict.

The country joined the rest of the UK by falling silent for two minutes to remember the servicemen and women who have died since the First World War.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined mourners in Edinburgh to mark a “particularly poignant” memorial event.

She was among many who laid wreaths of poppies at war memorials across the UK.

  • King leads nation as UK falls silent to honour war dead
  • The WWII codebreaker who still won’t give secrets away
  • Scots veteran recalls tears of Germany’s child soldiers

In Edinburgh, members of the three branches of the Armed Forces marched down the Royal Mile before a short service took place outside the city chambers.

A two-minute silence was observed after the one o’clock gun was fired from Edinburgh Castle at 11:00.

Edinburgh’s lord provost Robert Aldridge laid a wreath of poppies on behalf of the city council, followed by the first minister on behalf of the Scottish government.

crowds in aberdeen honour those lost in conflict

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone placed a wreath on behalf of the Scottish parliament.

Representatives from a number of other organisations also came forward to pay their respects.

Ahead of the event, the first minister said it was important to remember those who made the “ultimate sacrifice” to secure freedom.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I think it is particularly poignant that people are gathering together to remember in large numbers, in a way that hasn’t been possible for the last few years.

“Remembrance has continued during Covid but, of course, these big-scale events have not been possible.”

Edinburgh Lord Provost Frank Ross, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone and Scottish Secretary Alister Jack at the Edinburgh memorial

PA Media

Among those in attendance were World War Two veterans – fewer in number as each year goes by – and those who have served in more recent conflicts.

The first minister added: “There are very few now alive who remember first-hand the horrors of the Second World War.

“But the importance of remembrance is as strong as ever.

“Of course, this year we have seen the horror of a land war in Europe for the first time in many decades and that is a reminder of the horrors of war.”

Scottish Veterans Minister Keith Brown travelled to the Falkland Islands to attend a remembrance event.

The former Royal Marine served during the 1982 Falkands War.

Commemorations took place across Scotland on Sunday morning, including at Glasgow’s garden of remembrance in George Square.

We were there world war two stories shared

BBC News

Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in 2025, the BBC is trying to gather as many first-hand accounts from surviving veterans as possible, to preserve them for future generations.

Working with a number of partners, including the Normandy Memorial Trust and the Royal British Legion, the BBC has already spoken to many men and women who served during the War – you can watch their testimonies here.

Banner saying 'Get in touch'

Do you or someone you know have memories of World War Two? Please share these experiences by emailing [email protected].

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

  • WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
  • Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
  • Upload pictures or video
  • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can’t see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at [email protected]. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

Latest news
Related news

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here