Scotland falls silent to honour dead on Armistice Day as communities across country pay tribute

Communities across Scotland have fallen silent to commemorate those who died in conflicts around the globe.

Wreaths and memorials were laid in ceremonies up and down the country at 11am on November 11, before a two-minute silence honouring those who gave their lives battle.

The traditional memorial is held every year at the same time on the same day to mark the end of World War One.

At the garden of remembrance in Edinburgh, small wooden crosses bearing the names of those who have died in military action were surrounded by red poppies and messages from family and loved ones.

The garden of remembrance in Edinburgh bore messages from loved ones. STV News

As ingle round was fired as a mark of respect from the city’s castle after bugler Iona Macfarlane, a medical student at the University of Edinburgh, performed the Last Post.

Wreaths were then laid by the Right Honourable Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge.

Dr Claire Armstrong, chief executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It is paramount that, as a society, and as a community, we reflect on such a significant day in history.

“Armistice day was the day on which the ‘War to End all Wars’ ceased. Of course, the First World War was not the last. Today, 105 years on, there is war in Europe.

“We must remember the trauma, we must reflect on the barbarity, and we must remember that what many hundreds of thousands of men and women experienced in the First World War should be confined to the dustbins of history.

“But it isn’t. This is why, as a country, and as an organisation, we will never forget the sacrifices that have been made for so many, for the sake of so few.

“These sacrifices are made on a daily occurrence by our Armed Forces community, and they are made on our behalf. This selflessness should be remembered daily, and today, of all days, I wish to thank our Armed Forces community for their continued dedication to our values and our freedoms.“

It comes as activists are set to gather at a number of demonstrations across Scotland to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The events are being organised by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) – a group consisting of religious organisations and activists including Scottish Friends of Palestine and the Muslim Community of Scotland.

Events are planned in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Forres and Dumfries.

Police Scotland issued a statement ahead of planned events over the weekend.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Protests so far have been largely peaceful and groups from all perspectives have maintained good engagement with policing.

“We continue to engage with those organising demonstrations to ensure rights to peaceful assembly and protest are protected while minimising disruption to communities.

“Public safety is our priority and people may see more officers than usual in our cities and towns this weekend.

“Hate crime, violence or abuse do not represent legitimate protest and we will respond professionally to offending.”