Scotland falls silent to remember war dead on Remembrance Sunday

The centre of Edinburgh fell silent for two minutes as Scotland paused to remember those who have died in conflict on Remembrance Sunday.

At the annual service of remembrance outside the city chambers, a two-minute silence was observed from 11am.

Ahead of the ceremony, First Minister John Swinney said he would honour those who made the “ultimate sacrifice” to defend freedom.

He also paid tribute to the D-Day veteran Charlie Horne, who died aged 100 around a week before Remembrance Sunday.

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

On Sunday morning, a military parade marched down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle, led by the RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums.

George McLeod, 100, served in the Netherlands during the Second World War (Lesley Martin/PA)

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Wreaths of poppies were then laid at the Stone of Remembrance, with Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge among those paying their respects.

The Scottish chiefs of the three Armed Forces services also laid wreaths.

Among those who attended the ceremony was 100-year-old Second World War veteran George McLeod, formerly of 4th Battalion, the King’s Own Scottish Borderers.

Commemorations also took place at other locations throughout Scotland.

Speaking to the Press Association ahead of the ceremony in Edinburgh, Mr Swinney said: “Today at 11 o’clock, I’ll be remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the peace, the liberty and the freedom that we enjoy today.

“Also, to express my appreciation to members of the Armed Forces who continue to act on a daily basis to make sure that we are protected and that we are safe, in a world that is much more conflicted than many of us would like to see. One that requires the enduring commitment of the Armed Forces to keep us safe.”

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said the debt today’s society owes to those who have served ‘can never be fully repaid’ (PA)

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Mr Swinney said he had the “extraordinary privilege” of meeting Mr Horne in 2024 at the Normandy commemorations.

He said: “Although these events are a long time ago, we should never forget their significance.

“Because our freedom today is rested upon those sacrifices that were made all those years ago.”

He added: “He was an incredibly joyful and buoyant man…

“His family were immensely proud of his contribution.”

Ahead of the 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.”