The Daily Scot

The Stone of Remembrance outside the City Chambers on Edinburgh's High Street, where wreaths were laid on Remembrance Sunday.

Scotland falls silent to remember the fallen on Remembrance Sunday

First Minister John Swinney laid a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance in Edinburgh and paid tribute to D-Day veteran Charlie Horne, who died aged 100 a week before the service.

The Stone of Remembrance outside the City Chambers on Edinburgh's High Street, where wreaths were laid on Remembrance Sunday. · Photograph: Kirsty S. Ross (CC BY 4.0)

By The Daily Scot Staff ·

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

In Edinburgh, First Minister John Swinney joined the city's Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, veterans, serving personnel and cadets at the annual service outside the City Chambers on the High Street.

The service in Edinburgh

The RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums led a parade from Edinburgh Castle to the City Chambers at 10.30am, followed by veterans and cadets.

The One O'Clock Gun was then fired from Edinburgh Castle at 11am, as the country fell silent for two minutes in memory of those who have fallen in war.

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

After the ceremony, poppy wreaths were laid at the Stone of Remembrance, with Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and the Lord Provost among those taking part. The Scottish chiefs of the three armed forces also laid wreaths.

Tribute to D-Day veteran Charlie Horne

Ahead of the ceremony, Mr Swinney paid tribute to D-Day veteran Charlie Horne, who died aged 100 around a week before Remembrance Sunday.

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

"The ultimate sacrifice"

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."

Remembering across Glasgow

Remembrance services were also planned at war memorials across Glasgow and the west of Scotland, including at the Cenotaph in George Square.

This week also saw the unveiling of a new memorial in Maryhill honouring four Victoria Cross recipients linked to the old Maryhill Barracks, and a Glasgow veterans' centre join a new UK-wide support network.

Armistice Day itself falls on Wednesday, November 11, when a further two-minute silence will be observed at 11am.