Senior Armed Forces personnel joined Robert Aldridge, the Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh to pay tribute at the opening of the city’s Garden of Remembrance today (Saturday, 24th October).
They honoured the sacrifices made by servicemen and women past and present at the Garden of Remembrance at Princes Street Gardens, highlighting the continued importance of remembrance and wearing a poppy.
The official opening marks the launch of the Scottish Poppy Appeal this week, by Poppyscotland’s youngest volunteer Ava Mitchell (11) and beneficiaries of the charity, with volunteer collectors hitting the streets and supermarkets across the country over the coming weeks.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Scotland, said: “The Garden of Remembrance ceremony is an important event in our calendar of Remembrance activities.
“I hope that residents and visitors to Edinburgh will take the chance to visit the Garden of Remembrance over the next few weeks to reflect and pay their own tributes.”
Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Chaplain of Royal British Legion Scotland, led a short Service of Remembrance, with readings by the Lord Provost and Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, National President of Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, with music by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Wreaths were laid by the Lord Provost, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC RM, Royal Navy, Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, Scottish Government, General Officer Scotland, Major General Nick Thomas CBE, British Army, Leanne Bonner, Head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, Sqn Ldr Scottie Rankin, Officer Commanding 603 (City of Edinburgh RAuxAF) Squadron, Royal Air Force, representatives of veterans’ organisations, and members of the emergency services.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies being distributed around the country.
People can find out more or support the appeal by visiting www.poppyscotland.org.uk.
