The First Minister, John Swinney, will be in Portsmouth on the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday.
There Mr Swinney will represent Scotland at the national commemorations remembering the 80th anniversary of the landings on French beaches in Normandy. He will also attend the first National Commemoration ceremony to be held at the British War Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer in France to pay tribute to all who took part in the Normandy Campaign.
Mr Swinney said: “Scotland owes a great debt of gratitude to all those who served during the Second World War, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Were it not for the actions of these brave men and women 80 years ago, we would not enjoy the freedoms which we now take for granted.
“It is important that current and future generations continue to learn of the events that took place in Normandy so that we ensure such a conflict is never repeated.
“The Scottish Government is wholehearted in our commitment to supporting our Armed Forces, veterans and their families in Scotland.
“We will never forget those who have, and continue to, lay down their lives in the service of their country.”
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