Scotland has marked Armistice Day in memory of those who lost their lives during conflict.
The country observed a two-minute silence at 11am, marking 105 years since the first two-minute silence was observed on November 11, 1919.
Remembrance events were held across Scotland and the UK as tributes are paid to fallen armed forces personnel.
The memorial is held every year at the same time on the same day to mark the end of World War One.
STV NewsFirst Minister John Swinney led tributes at the Remembrance Sunday service in Edinburgh, joining the city’s Lord Provost and other civic leaders to lay wreaths at the Stone of Remembrance outside the city chambers, alongside veterans and military personnel.
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.
He said it is “vital” to pay respect to those who died in World Wars One and Two to preserve our freedoms and paid tribute to his late uncle, Corporal Tom Hunter of 43 Royal Marine Commando, who died on April 3 1945 in Comacchio, Italy.
Swinney said: “On Remembrance Sunday I remember particularly all those who lost their lives, but especially my late uncle.
“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.”
MOD via SuppliedScottish Conservative Leader Russell Findlay added: “For all of the fallen, and all of those who continue to serve, we will remember them.”
Tributes are set to be held in schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces throughout the country.
On Sunday, Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow lit up red in memory of 177 former pupils who lost their lives in First and Second World Wars.
Silhouettes of soldiers and poppies – designed and created by pupils – were part of the tribute outside the A-Listed school building in the city’s West End.
Daniel Wyatt, rector of Kelvinside Academy, said: “The Kelvinside Academy community will never forget our former pupils who fought and died during WWI and WWII.
“Lighting up the school and creating this display is a lasting reminder to everybody of the sacrifice they, and everybody who fought in those conflicts, made. We will always remember them.”
Army veteran Derek “Benny” Bennett, who spent 25 years in the Army, has called on people to remember those who served in lesser-known conflicts, and not just to focus on “the big wars”.
The veteran, originally from Shotton in North Wales and who now lives in a home in Edinburgh run by veterans’ charity Erskine, recalled some of his own military experiences.
Speaking ahead of Remembrance Day, he said: “It’s crucial we remember not just the big wars like the Second World War, the Falklands, Afghanistan, or Iraq, but all the conflicts and peacekeeping missions that don’t always make the headlines.
“I know people who have suffered, and I personally know that the scars – whether seen or unseen – are just as real for those who served in less talked-about places.
“The impact on those who were there is the same, and their sacrifices deserve the same respect and remembrance.”
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