Scotland falls silent for reflection on Remembrance Sunday

Scotland fell silent for two minutes to remember those who have died in conflict on Remembrance Sunday.

In Edinburgh, at an annual service outside the city chambers, the First Minister John Swinney joined Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, as well as veterans, military personnel, and others to remember the fallen.

The RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums led a parade from Edinburgh Castle to the city chambers at 10:30am, followed by veterans, cadets and Highland and Lowland Bands of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and representatives from the three Armed Services.

The one o’clock gun then fired at 11am from Edinburgh Castle, as the country fell silent for two minutes in memory of those who have fallen in conflicts over the years.

The Rev Dr Scott Rennie, minister of St Giles’ Cathedral, then led a short service of Remembrance.

Following the ceremony, wreaths of poppies were laid at the Stone of Remembrance, with Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge among those paying their respects.

The Scottish chiefs of the three Armed Forces services also laid wreaths.

Among those who attended the ceremony was 100-year-old Second World War veteran George McLeod, formerly of 4th Battalion, the King’s Own Scottish Borderers.

Commemorations also took place at other locations throughout Scotland.

Ahead of the ceremony, First Minister John Swinney said he would honour those who made the “ultimate sacrifice” to defend freedom.

He also paid tribute to the D-Day veteran Charlie Horne, who died aged 100 around a week before Remembrance Sunday.

Mr Horne, who served on a minesweeping vessel off the coast of Omaha Beach, was one of Scotland’s last surviving D-Day veterans.

Mr Swinney said: “It was an honour to lay a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance to commemorate all those who have lost their lives in conflict.

“The people of Scotland will always remember and honour those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom and values.”