Edinburgh will join the rest of the world, this weekend, in observing Remembrance Day – a commemoration of the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war.
Scotland’s National commemorations will take place on Remembrance Sunday at the Stone of Remembrance on the Royal Mile.
In attendance will be the Rt. Hon. Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, who is the city’s Veterans’ Champion. He will be joined by the Rt. Hon. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and representatives from Legion Scotland, fellow service charities, the armed forces and public services.
A two minute silence will also be marked on Monday, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – a date which marks the anniversary of the ending of the First World War in 1918. The city’s Armistice Day Service will take place in the Garden of Remembrance in East Princes Street Gardens, where thousands of crosses have been planted in honour of Scotland’s war dead.
Commenting, Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant Frank Ross said: “On Remembrance Sunday, people the length and breadth of Britain will pay tribute to all those who have fought and died – and who continue to do so – in order to keep this country safe.
“Whether it’s by attending a Remembrance Service or Parade, or by taking a moment of quiet reflection, we can all show our gratitude and appreciation for the enormous sacrifices being made every day on our behalf by so many courageous men and women.
“It fills me with great pride to lay a wreath on behalf of all citizens at Scotland’s national commemorations and to see so many local communities come together in their own ways to pay their respects.”
Included below is a list of some of the Remembrance services and parades taking place across the city on Sunday:
Annual Royal Mile Royal British Legion Remembrance Day parade
When? 10.00am
Where? Meeting in St Giles Street
Details: Scotland’s national remembrance parade will head eastward from Edinburgh Castle to the Stone of Remembrance at the City Chambers, where it will be met by civic dignitaries and representatives of various public bodies. The Act of Remembrance and a wreath laying ceremony will take place, followed by a service in St Giles Cathedral
Traffic guidance: Between 10.20-11.15am there will be a rolling road closure between Castlehill and George IV Bridge. Lawnmarket/High Street will be closed between George IV Bridge and Cockburn Street from 9.30am-1.30pm.
Bellevue Royal British Legion Service
When? 10.30am
Where? Public encouraged to assemble at Heriot Hill Terrace from 10.15am
Details: Parade along Heriot Hill Terrace, Rodney Street, the southern entry to Bellevue Crescent, returning via the north entry to Bellevue Crescent, Rodney Street and Heriot Hill Terrace. The Procession will be led by the the Post Office Pipe Band
Traffic guidance: Between 10.30am-12.15pm there will be a rolling road closure between Heriot Hill Terrace, Rodney Street and Bellevue Crescent.
Corstorphine Trust Remembrance Day service
When? 10.00am
Where? Public encouraged to assemble at the War Memorial at the Kirk Loan
Details: Wreaths will be laid and a silence held at Corstorphine’s local War Memorial
Traffic guidance: From 8.00am-12.00pm, the road will be closed between Corstorphine High Street and Westfield House Car Park and barriers will line the area. Parking restrictions will be in place 7.00am-12.00pm.
Davidson’s Mains and Silverknowes Remembrance Day parade
When? 12.40pm
Where? The War Memorial at The Green, East Barnton Avenue
Details: The parade will move towards the War Memorial situated in ‘The Green’, where the Remembrance Service will take place. A lone piper will lead the procession and play a Lament
Traffic guidance: Between 12.40 -1.30pm, Main Street will be closed between Quality Street and ‘The Green’. A stretch of road between East Barnton Gardens and the west leg of The Green will also be closed at Main Street.
Duddingston Kirk Church of Scotland Remembrance Day service
When? 11.30am
Where? Public encouraged to assemble at Old Church Lane at 11.15am
Details: The parade will move along Old Church Lane to the Duddingston Kirk War Memorial
Traffic guidance: Between 11.30am-12pm there will be a rolling road closure between Duddingston Road West / Old Church Lane from The Causeway to the Kirk.
Haymarket Heart of Midlothian Remembrance Day service
When? 10.45-11.45am
Where? Public encouraged to assemble at Morrison Street looking west on to the War Memorial outside the Haymarket Bar.
Details: Wreaths will be laid at the site of the Heart of Midlothian Football Club War Memorial and a piper from the Salvation Army Band with officials from Hearts FC will lead the Procession
Traffic guidance: Between 9.30am-12.30pm, Morrison Street will be closed between Morrison Link / Torphichen Place and Haymarket junction. There will be a citybound lane closure on Dalry Road.
Kirkliston Remembrance Day parade
When? 12.00pm
Where? Meeting at the Church Square following morning worship at Kirkliston Parish Church
Details: The parade, headed by the Drambuie Kirkliston Pipe Band, will march via the High Street and Station Road to the war memorial at the junction with Main Street, where a short remembrance service will take place
Traffic guidance: Between 12.00-1.00pm, the Kirkliston crossroads will be closed.
Liberton Kirk 230 Transport Squadron Remembrance Day Service
When? 10.15am-1.00pm
Where? Public encouraged to assemble at the Army Reserve (TA) Centre at 126 Alnwickhill Road
Details: A parade will step off from 126 Alnwickhill Road to Liberton Drive to the Kirkgate, returning along the same route.
Traffic guidance: Between 10.15am-1.00pm there will be a rolling road closure between Alnwickhill Road, Liberton Drive and the Kirkgate.
Sighthill and Gorgie Remembrance Day Parade
When? 10.00am
Where? Public encouraged to assemble outside Murrayburn Primary School
Details: The Parade will step off from Murrayburn Primary School to Sighthill Loan, crossing Sighthill Gardens, Sighthill Terrace and Sighthill View, finishing at St Nicholas Parish Church. It will be led by the 51 Signal Squadron
Traffic guidance: Between 10.00-10.45am there will be a rolling road closure between Murrayburn Primary School and St Nicholas Parish Church.
South Queensferry Ex-Service Club Remembrance Day parade
When? 10.20am
Where? Public encouraged to assemble at the High St. The parade will head to the Church at the Loan
Details: The parade will head along the High St Rosebery Hall War Memorial and up the Loan to the Church of Scotland.
Traffic guidance: The High Street to the Loan will be closed for the duration of the parade.
West Princes St Gardens Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Remembrance Day Service
When? 10.15am
Where? Public encouraged to assemble in West Princes Street Gardens at the Grey’s Memorial
Details: The service will take in the footpath between the Floral Clock and Grey’s Memorial. There will be a two minute silence at 11.00am and wreaths will be laid at the foot of the Memorial
Traffic guidance: N/A.
On Monday, for Armistice Day, commemorations will take place in the Garden of Remembrance:
East Princes St Gardens Legion Scotland Armistice Day Service
When? 10.30am
Where? Public encouraged to assemble in East Princes Street Gardens at the Garden of Remembrance
Details: The Depute Lord Provost will recite Binyon’s Lines. There will be a two minute silence at 11.00am and wreaths will be laid. The service will feature a bugler from the Royal Regiment of Scotland and a piper from George Heriot School
Traffic guidance: N/A.
