On Monday national and local government officials joined members of the Armed Forces community for the opening of the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance by the Rt Hon Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge.
The poignant event marks the start of the 2024 Remembrance period, where a short open-air service was held.
The attendees paid tribute to servicemen and women who gave their lives, as well as remembering the sacrifices of today’s Armed Forces and their families, during the short service led by Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Padre of the Royal British Legion Scotland.
The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland performed, along with piper Rory Cairns. The Lord Provost and Paul McLennan MSP, representing Scottish Government both laid wreaths along with many others representing a wide range of organisations.
Legion Scotland Events Manager, Brian Ward, said: “Despite a weather warning in place and a few gusts of wind, this was a wonderful occasion which was very well attended by representatives of the Armed Forces and other dignitaries from across our capital city and of course Scotland.
“It was truly lovely to see so many people turn out, as well as the many passers-by who stopped to reflect and pay their respects to our fallen.”
The event is organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, and it also marks the start of this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal, which will run until Remembrance Sunday on 10 November.
The Garden features thousands of poppy crosses and other remembrance symbols with personal dedications from across Scotland. It will remain open until Remembrance Sunday for residents and visitors to pay their own tributes.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies already being distributed around the country. All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing life-changing support and advice to veterans, servicemen and women, and their families.
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