Remembrance Sunday marked at services across Scotland
Two minutes of silence were started by the Edinburgh Castle gun at 11am
Last updated 10th Nov 2024
Thousands of people across Scotland have been marking Remembrance Sunday at memorial events, remembering those who have lost their lives in conflict since the First World War.
The First Minister was amongst those gathered in Edinburgh this morning, leading tributes at the Stone of Remembrance outside the city chambers.
Speaking before the ceremony, he said he would particularly be remembering his uncle, Corporal Tom Hunter of the 43 Royal Marine Commando, who died on April 3 1945, in Comacchio, Italy.
John Swinney said: “He was 21 years of age. He laid down his life to protect his troop and consequently he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery in the United Kingdom.
"Although that award was given to my late grandmother and my late grandfather, it was of limited comfort to them because they had lost their son, my mum had lost her brother, and her brothers had lost their brothers too.
"We remember fondly the sacrifice he made so we could live in freedom."
Alongside the First Minister, the Lord Provost and other civic leaders marked the date.
The ceremony began when the RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums band led a military parade down the Royal Mile, with members of the three armed forces marching in columns to the service.
Two minutes silence were held, marked by the One O’clock Gun from Edinburgh Castle at 11am, followed by a brief service led by Rev Dr George J Whyte, interim moderator at St Giles’ Cathedral.
A wreath was also laid in honour of people who have lost their lives during the war in Ukraine.
The First Minister told the PA news agency: “All of us thought that the Second World War would be the end of conflict in Europe.
"Yet today, we find a conflict in Europe, in Ukraine, where the Ukrainian people are fighting for their liberty and freedom in the face of Russian aggression.
"We must stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and we must remember today especially the sacrifices made by previous generations so we can live in liberty today."
Services were also held elsewhere in Scotland, including in Glasgow’s George Square which Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes attended.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn joined the Prime Minister and King for a national service at the Cenotaph in London.