Scotland honours war dead

Services remember those who died in the wars

Thousands of people across Scotland have attended Remembrance Sunday ceremonies to honour those who died during the two World Wars.

The Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) held services at churches and war memorials.

More than 500 former and present servicemen and women attended Edinburgh's main event on the Royal Mile.

A wreath-laying ceremony at the Stone of Remembrance outside City Chambers was followed by a service at St Giles Cathedral.

The poppy is the ultimate symbol of remembrance

Nigel Griffiths
RBLS

First Minister Jack McConnell joined Lord Provost Eric Milligan in laying wreaths.

Mr McConnell said it was time for Scotland to "pay tribute to the memory of the men and women who served their country and protected our way of life".

In Glasgow, 800 people gathered in George Square for a wreath-laying ceremony and service, led by the Very Rev Dr William Morris, minister of Glasgow Cathedral.

The Lord Provost, as Lord Lieutenant for the City of Glasgow, laid a wreath on the Stone of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in the name of the citizens of Glasgow.

'Courage and duty'

Prior to the ceremony at the Cenotaph, there was a short ceremony in the City Chambers at the Nurses Lamp, commemorating those nurses who died in service.

Five hundred people attended a Remembrance Sunday service in King's College chapel at the University of Aberdeen.

Church of Scotland Moderator the Right Rev Dr Finlay AJ Macdonald said the services offered a chance to honour the "courage, sacrifice and duty" of those who served in past conflicts.

Neil Griffiths, of the RBLS, said the poppy appeal was becoming more popular.

He said: "Last year was a record figure when we grossed £1.8m in coins, in cans, and this year we are hoping for £1.5m

Poppies remain a potent symbol

"There is nothing like it in the country. It unites the young and the old, the rich and the poor. The poppy is the ultimate symbol of remembrance."

The first Remembrance Day was conducted in 1919 throughout Britain and the Commonwealth.

Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of hostilities the previous year.

It came to symbolise the end of the war and provide an opportunity to remember those who had died.

After the end of the Second World War in 1945 Armistice Day became Remembrance Day to include all those who died in the two World Wars and later conflicts.