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Scotland will remember World War Two

Published Thursday 21st April 2005

Scotland's Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace along with veteran Mr Douglas Roger (86) of The Black Watch and Amy Kirkhouse (11)of Prestonfield Primary School launch a programme of events to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the End of World War 2 in the grounds of Edinburgh castle .
Scotland's Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace along with veteran Mr Douglas Roger (86) of The Black Watch and Amy Kirkhouse (11)of Prestonfield Primary School launch a programme of events to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the End of World War 2 in the grounds of Edinburgh castle . Veterans, local school children and Armed Forces Chiefs watched as four and a half thousand red, white and blue balloons were released from Edinburgh Castle ramparts in memory of the Scottish servicemen, servicewomen and civilians who lost their lives during WW2.
Veterans, local school children and Armed Forces Chiefs watched as four and a half thousand red, white and blue balloons were released from Edinburgh Castle ramparts in memory of the Scottish servicemen, servicewomen and civilians who lost their lives during WW2.

The Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace, along with Veterans Scotland and the Ministry of Defence, launched the Scottish programme of events to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War Two on 20 April 2005.

He was joined by veterans, local school children and Armed Forces chiefs at Edinburgh Castle, who all watched as thousands of red, white and blue balloons were released from the castle ramparts in memory of the Scottish servicemen, servicewoman and civilians who lost their lives during WW2.

The programme of events announced on 20 April 2005 includes:

  • 8 May (VE Day) - services and Gardens of Remembrance at all places of worship across Scotland, plus a parade, service and community activities in Dundee.
  • 14 May - parade, service and reception in Perth.
  • 22 June - reception at Edinburgh Castle for those who contributed to the War effort in Scotland.
  • 10 July - large national event in Edinburgh during Veterans Awareness Week, chosen as the day to celebrate the end of the Second World War across UK capital cities.  There will be attractions in Princes Street Gardens throughout the day, a parade down the Royal Mile followed by a service of remembrance in St Giles, and a Civic Reception.
  • 14 August (VJ Day) - Royal British Legion Scotland parade in Glasgow.

See the full confirmed programme of Events below.

The Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace said:

"I'm greatly encouraged to see how many events are taking place in Scotland and I do hope that people of all ages throughout the country will join in the national and local commemorations.  Scotland and its people played significant roles throughout the War and many sacrificed their lives.  We must all continue to remember and pay tribute to them."

Sheena Livingstone, Chief Executive of Veterans Scotland, added:

"It's 60 years since the end of the War and many of those who took part are now in their 80s and 90s, so this will probably be the last major anniversary that World War 2 veterans will be able to participate in.  That is why we need people in Scotland to get involved with the main events, and also organise their own activities and street parties.  It's vital that younger generations learn about this momentous era of history and we all continue to remember the bravery and sacrifice of all those who gave their lives to fight for peace."

Veteran Dr Tom Renouf MM, who saw action in the European Campaign and on the Rhine Crossing during the war, is organising the Perth parade and reunion on 14 May 2005:

"We are the lucky survivors, but 60 years on, we still remember our friends and colleagues who didn't make it home.  All of us veterans will make sure that our children and grandchildren understand the importance of marking this historic occasion which will be our final reunion."

WW2 veterans can take part in these events by contacting the World War Two Commemoration Team on 01968 661282 or e-mailing enquiries@veteransscotland.co.uk.

Anyone organising other civic or community events should also contact the team for advertising support. 

The World War II Commemoration Team are organising and co-ordinating the commemorations in Scotland.  They report to the World War II Steering Group which is chaired by the Scottish Executive and includes members of Veterans Scotland, the armed forces, the City Councils and the Big Lottery Fund.

Confirmed Programme of Events – Scotland 2005

7 May Forfar VE- 60th Celebrations with Pipe Bands.
8 May Scotland Services of Remembrance followed by Gardens of Remembrance.
8 May Aberdeen VE Day Afternoon Tea.
8 May Dundee Veterans Parade and Drumhead Service within St Andrews Cathedral, wreath laying Ceremony, Musical Tributes, Displays in the City and Community Events.
8 May Kinloss Abbey Wreath laying ceremony – lead RAF Kinloss.
8 May Elgin Parade in Cooper Park.  Nimrod flypast Elgin and Inverness.
14 May Perth VE-60th Celebrations with Parade, Service, Drumhead Service, Provosts coffee reception.
21-22 May Falkirk VE/VJ Day Commemorative Celebrations. Drumhead parade on Sun 22nd May.
21 May Millport Unveiling and Dedication of a Cairn War Memorial – Royal British Legion Scotland (Contact Chairman Millport Branch – 01475 531013).
4-5 June Brechin Short Parade, Service and dinner at Brechin Castle.
4-5 June Renfrew SSAFA (Renfrewshire) WWII Weekend.  Tri service military show.
5 June Melrose Abbey Service and Reception.
11 June Ayr Royal British Legion Scotland Drumhead Service & Civic Reception within Ayr Town Hall.
11 June Aberdeen Open Air Ecumenical Service/Military Parade.
19 June Gourock The Forgotten Army.
26 June Giffnock Ceremony followed by a party for WWII Veterans and home front personnel.
10 July Edinburgh National WWII Commemoration Event – Parade, Service of Remembrance within St Giles Cathedral, Wreath laying Ceremony and Civic Reception for 300 invited WWII Veterans.
10 July Aberdeen VE/VJ Day Parade and Service in the Castlegate.
14 August Glasgow Royal British Legion Scotland Commemoration Parade, followed by a Service of Remembrance at George Square.
14 August Glasgow Royal British Legion Scotland – Commemoration dinner for participants of the parade earlier in the day, followed by a Beating Retreat commencing at 6.30 pm within the Kelvinhall Sports Stadium.
14 August Wick Drumhead Religious Service, Pipe Bands, and Nimrod flypast. Street Party.
14 August  Oban Royal British Legion Scotland (Oban Branch), will be holding a Commemoration Parade and Service at St John’s Cathedral commencing at 6.30 pm. (Contact R J McBrayne 01631 720561)
15 August Aberdeen VJ Day Afternoon Tea within the Beach Ballroom Aberdeen.
21 August Elgin TA Ceremony.  Nimrod flypast.
2/3/4 September Newcastleton Special dinner – 2 September.  Parade of floats with a war time theme – 3 September.  Family events and barbeque on Sunday September 4th Veterans involved.

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