Day: June 27, 2026

Scotland to host parades and events for Armed Forces Day

  • More than a dozen events being held across Scotland to mark Armed Forces Day
  • Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dumfries, Glasgow, and Thurso among those leading Scotland’s celebrations
  • Around 200 events are planned across the United Kingdom as nation gathers to thank Armed Forces community

Communities across Scotland are today (Saturday 27 June) celebrating Armed Forces Day, joining around 200 events planned across the United Kingdom.

Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity to thank the entire Armed Forces community – service personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets and military families – for all they do to keep us safe.

Earlier this year the Ministry of Defence announced it would provide up to £500,000 of funding for Armed Forces Day celebrations across the country.

The events – a map of which can be found here – help deliver on the Strategic Defence Review’s call for a whole-of-society approach to defence, strengthening the bonds between society and our Armed Forces.   

Almost 10,000 Armed Forces members live and work in Scotland, and the defence sector directly supports nearly 12,000 jobs in the country. Approximately 176,000 veterans live in Scotland.  

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “I welcome the whole country uniting for Armed Forces Day to show our support for currently serving troops, service families, veterans and cadets.

“Scotland plays such a vital role in the UK’s defence and I am appreciative, and deeply proud of, our service personnel. Their professionalism and bravery to keep us and our allies safe are rightly respected worldwide.

“The UK Government is renewing the country’s contract with our military personnel through initiatives such as a new housing strategy which will make homes fit for heroes, delivering the biggest pay rise for personnel in 20 years and putting the Armed Forces Covenant into law. National security is a top priority for the UK Government and we will always stand up for our Armed Forces.”

Armed Forces Day events are hosted every year by local authorities, veterans’ organisations, schools, places of worship, charities and community groups. 

The UK Government is determined to ensure British people can take pride in their communities and enjoy safe and vibrant high streets, with community events like Armed Forces Day an important part of British life. 

The Government has also increased defence spending to both support local jobs and keep families safe in an uncertain world.

Scotland is home to the UK’s military shipbuilding industry in Rosyth and the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, which is based at HM Naval Base Clyde. 

RAF Lossiemouth operates the UK’s Quick Reaction Alert, which scrambles Typhoon fast jets to monitor suspicious aircraft in the skies above the UK. 

EDINBURGH’S CITY CENTRE PARADE CELEBRATES ARMED FORCES DAY

Serving personnel, veterans and their supporters will parade through St Andrew Square in Edinburgh this weekend at a special event being held to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

The celebrations will start from 10.30am on Saturday, June 27, as the annual procession of around 400 members of the Armed Forces community will assemble in Charlotte Square, led by 12 vintage vehicles from the Scottish Military Vehicle Group.

From there they will follow the route along George Street, reassembling in St Andrew Square where they will be welcomed by Edinburgh’s Depute Lord Provost, Lezley Marion Cameron, followed by a day of fun and entertainment until 3pm.

The public will also enjoy tunes from the Lowland and Highland Bands of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums. 

There will also be static displays of vintage military vehicles throughout the day, and members of the public will be able to see some of the kit and equipment used by our Armed Forces over the years.

Dr. Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Scotland, emphasised the significance of the occasion, stating that it is a time for unity and appreciation for all those who have served, both past and present, and their families. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces every day, highlighting their dedication and commitment. 

Dr. Armstrong said: “We hope this event will be a good opportunity for veterans and serving personnel to reunite acquaintances and comradeship and will also be a fitting tribute to everyone who serves in our Armed Forces and will also recognise the continued sacrifices that our servicemen and women make today.” 

She encouraged residents of Edinburgh and beyond to attend the event, show their support, and enjoy a memorable day out. 

Dr Armstrong added: “We hope you can come along and help us celebrate the Armed Forces community in our capital city in style, whilst also learning about the valuable work of charities Royal British Legion Scotland, Poppyscotland and many more.”

www.armedforcesday.org.uk 

Nearly 30,000 more students benefit from free music tuition

Removing fees boosts school instrument uptake

The number of students learning an instrument has increased by almost 30,000 since the abolition of fees for music lessons in schools.

A new report shows that annual investment of up to £12 million from the Scottish Government to fund free instrumental music tuition has seen participants increase to more than 70,000 since 2021.

Those involved in Scotland’s Instrumental Music Service believed playing a musical instrument supported better attendance, attainment and behaviour in schools.

The We Make Music Now research findings highlights:

  • an increase in instrumental music learners from 41,594 in 2020-21 to 70,075 in 2024-25 – around 10.1% of the eligible school roll
  • highest participation between Primary 5 and S1 pupils in many areas, often attributed to large-scale music-making projects
  • playing an instrument helped young people with social anxiety and other mental health challenges
  • music departments are viewed as a “safe space” by learners, where they feel supported within school

The Scottish Government funds Grant Aided Schools and all 32 local authorities to support free instrument tuition. The report identified some challenges, including waiting lists in certain local authority areas, lower representation from more deprived areas and fewer performance opportunities for young musicians in rural areas.

Education and Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “The Scottish Government has transformed instrumental music tuition in Scotland’s schools by funding councils to eradicate unfair charges.

“All children should have the opportunity to take part in instrumental music as a core element of education, without being limited by a family’s ability to pay.

“This report reveals the wide-ranging benefits of providing opportunities to all – not only in developing new skills but in growing confidence, supporting mental health and creating a sense of belonging.

“We will continue to work with COSLA and the music education sector to ensure an inclusive approach to music tuition that addresses potential barriers to participation.”

Chair of the Music Education Partnership Group (MEPG) Board Ian Mills said: “The We Make Music Now research demonstrates the initial successes of the commitment made to ensure the provision of free instrumental music instruction in schools.

“As well as the successes, there are undoubted challenges and areas for growth raised in the work.

“MEPG looks forward to supporting local authority music services and the Scottish Government in considering the recommendations made in the report to ensure that pupils are gaining maximum benefit from the government’s investment in music.”