Veterans and politicians to remember fallen at Edinburgh remembrance service

Veterans, serving members of the military and political leaders are set to take part in the annual service of remembrance in Edinburgh on Sunday. The First Minister will lead tributes at the event outside the city chambers on Remembrance Sunday. A military parade will march down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle , led by the RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums. At 11am, a two-minute silence will be observed to remember those who have died in conflict.

Wreaths of poppies will then be laid at the stone of remembrance, with the Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and Edinburgh’s lord provost Robert Aldridge among those paying their respects. The Scottish chiefs of the three armed forces services will also be present to lay wreaths. Commemorations will also be taking place at other locations throughout Scotland. Ahead of the remembrance service, Mr Alexander said: “Remembrance Sunday is a moment for the whole country to pause and remember the men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms, and to give thanks to our veterans, our serving personnel and the families who stand behind them.

“In Edinburgh, I will be proud to stand alongside our veterans, members of our armed forces and community leaders from across Scotland to honour their service and sacrifice. “We owe a debt to those who have served that can never be fully repaid and we will continue to honour it, in Scotland and across the United Kingdom. “The UK Government’s commitment to our armed forces is unwavering.”