Ceremonies To Mark Remembrance Sunday

13 November 2016, 12:05

Ceremonies have taken place throughout Scotland to remember servicemen and women killed in conflict.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon attended the annual wreath laying and service at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh alongside Scotland Office Minister Andrew Dunlop and president of Legion Scotland, Sir Alistair Irwin.

Military chiefs, emergency services and regimental associations from across the country also took part in the Remembrance Sunday memorial event organised by veterans' charity Legion Scotland.

The wreath laying was held at the Stone of Remembrance outside the City Chambers on the Royal Mile.

Ms Sturgeon said: ''Remembrance Sunday is an opportunity for all of Scotland to join with others right across the world and commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts during the last century and more recently.

''It is a chance to honour the memory of those who lost their lives, while also paying tribute to our veterans and those who continue to serve today.

''The laying of a wreath is a small but significant tribute, and I am privileged to do so today on behalf of the people of Scotland.''

Mr Dunlop said: "It is a great privilege, and hugely humbling, to lay a wreath as part of Legion Scotland's ceremony to pay tribute to the fallen.

''It is so important that we remember the servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live freely, and to stand together on Remembrance Sunday to honour them.

''We should also take time today to thank our serving military personnel for the vital role they play in keeping our country safe.''

Kevin Gray, Legion Scotland's chief executive officer, said: ''We must learn from the amazing stories and experiences of those who have served their country, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice.

''Sadly as time moves on the memories become more and more inherited, so now more than ever is the time to ensure we take time to pause, reflect and remember.

''Remembrance Sunday allows the whole nation to come together to pay their respects to those brave men and women who came from every community in Scotland.''

In Glasgow, Legion Scotland representatives, serving military, clergy and civic leaders observed a two-minute silence at the cenotaph in George Square.

Aberdeen marked Remembrance Sunday with a ceremony in front of the city's war memorial on Schoolhill, with serving forces, reserves, veterans and cadets in attendance.