SCOTTISH Palestine Solidarity Campaign@scottish_psc has launched a new Scotland-wide interactive map spotlighting 120+ Apartheid Free Zones, including @govanhillapartheidfreezone.
Cafés, shops, unions, musicians, community groups and organisations standing in solidarity with Palestine.
These spaces have pledged to support the BDS movement, boycott companies complicit in Israeli apartheid, and build anti-racist, ethical communities rooted in justice.
From local workplaces to cultural hubs, AFZs show that while governments stall, people are taking action. An act of solidarity forming a powerful, growing network of hope and resistance across Scotland.
Explore the map: www.apartheidfree.scot� Not listed yet? Businesses and organisations are invited to join and help grow the movement.
The Jewish Council of Scotland response to Apartheid Free Zones in Scotland campaign
The Jewish Council of Scotland (JCoS) is alarmed at the announcement reported in yesterday’s media of the Apartheid Free Zones in Scotland campaign – launched by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which aims to achieve a boycott of Israel across Scotland in support of the Boycott, Divestment Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The strident hatred and intimidation associated with this movement has a profound effect on Jews living in Scotland, and with ever increasing incidents of antisemitic behaviour towards the Jewish population this activity is of significant concern to us.
JCoS believes the impact of this campaign will build on the fear created by the so-called Leith ‘Zionist Free Zone’ in Edinburgh, which many Jews in Leith regarded as targeting them, regardless of their personal views on Israel.
“Our concern is that Jewish people in Scotland will be branded as racist”, says Timothy Lovat, Chair of JCoS. “This campaign does nothing to attack racism and promote racial equality in Scotland.”
A majority of MSPs on Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee have given support to a Bill which gives school pupils a right to opt back into religious education and amends the UNCRC compatibility duty. However, they have also highlighted significant concerns about the Bill.
Those Members also noted the need for significant amendments to the Bill to resolve the serious concerns that were raised about it.
Other Members of the Committee were not content with supporting the general principles.
Rhoda Grant MSP felt that she was not able to make a recommendation, while Pam Gosal MSP and Tess White MSP said they could not support the general principles.
If the Bill is passed, schools would need to inform pupils if a parent or guardian requests that they be withdrawn from religious education or observance. If a pupil objected to being withdrawn, the school would have to follow the pupil’s wishes.
Following concerns raised in evidence, the Committee’s report recommends that the Scottish Government separate religious education and religious observance and considers unintended consequences such as the possibility of increased conflict between parents and children.
Additionally, the Bill sets out how public authorities should act when their duties under the UNCRC Act conflict with other legal obligations.
Witnesses raised concerns about why this part of the Bill was needed and what kind of precedent it sets for future human rights legislation.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee said:“The Committee heard strong views on this Bill during evidence, with very serious concerns being raised.
“However, given the clear support for the basic premise of the Bill of furthering children’s rights from several witnesses, a majority of our Committee recommend that Parliament support the general principles of the Bill.
“We are clear though that substantial amendments will need to be made to respond to the significant concerns we heard.”
A Bronze Age hoard discovered in Carnoustie has been acquired by National Museums Scotland and will go on display for the first time in a new exhibition opening next summer.
The hoard includes a rare spearhead decorated with gold and a bronze sword in a wooden scabbard, dating from around 1120-920 BC. Scotland’s First Warriors (27 Jun 2026 – 17 May 2027) will bring together over 250 objects spanning thousands of years, to explore the origins and impact of conflict and warfare in prehistoric Scotland.
The spearhead has an intricately decorated gold-bound socket, one of only two such examples known from Scotland. It was discovered alongside a bronze sword with an unusual lead-tin pommel, still sheathed in the remains of a wooden scabbard.
The sword was carefully wrapped in a woven wool garment, fastened with a disc-headed pin; the spearhead blade was wrapped in sheepskin, and the socket was wrapped in a fine woollen cloth.
The weapons hint at the existence of a localised warrior elite in the Angus area over 3,000 years ago.
The hoard was deliberately and thoughtfully placed near a Bronze Age round structure. This is the only Bronze Age weapon hoard from Scotland to be found within a clearly defined settlement, offering a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between these treasured objects and the lives of the people who crafted and used them.
The survival of prehistoric textiles and organic material is also extremely rare and reveals an extra layer of the care and attention that went into the formation of the hoard.
Dr Matthew Knight, Senior Curator of Prehistory at National Museums Scotland, said: “The Carnoustie Hoard is a remarkable discovery. This is the first time we’ve encountered weapons buried at a settlement where people lived. It forces us to reconsider relationships between people and these objects and enriches our picture of life in Bronze Age Scotland.
“On top of that we have the exceptional survival of wood, textiles and animal skin that express how much these objects were valued. After hours of painstaking conservation, I can’t wait to for visitors to see the hoard for the first time in our new exhibition Scotland’s First Warriors.”
Alongside the Carnoustie Hoard, Scotland’s First Warriors will include never-before-seen internationally significant archaeological discoveries from across Scotland.
From the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the coming of the Romans, the exhibition will present the origins of organised conflict.
It will explore how people fought, the motivations for fighting, the brutal impact of war on people’s lives and the long-lasting legacy of prehistoric conflict.
The hoard was unearthed in 2016 by GUARD Archaeology near Carnoustie, in an area that was due to be developed into two football pitches.
The full assemblage of archaeological finds from site represents a nationally significant group of objects spanning nearly 3000 years from the early Neolithic to the late Bronze Age.
Scotland’s First Warriors
27th June 2026 – 17th May 2027 National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Letter to UK political leaders to support a humanitarian corridor
First Minister Humza Yousaf has written to UK political leaders urging them to support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, to allow a humanitarian corridor to open. The First Minister says the UK should stand together to stop the humanitarian disaster that is unfolding in Gaza.
The letter reads:
To: UK political leaders From: First Minister Humza Yousaf
The abhorrent terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas on 7 October must be unequivocally condemned, and I will continue to join you in doing so. Hamas must release immediately and unconditionally all hostages and cease its missile attacks on Israel.
The killing of innocent civilians can never be justified, wherever it occurs. Israel, like every other country, has a right to protect itself from attack, but in doing so it must comply with international law.
Since the tragic events of that day, the loss of life has escalated. More than 1,400 Israelis and 5,700 Palestinians are reported to have been killed. More than 1.4 million Palestinians have been displaced and in excess of 600,000 people are sheltering in UN-run facilities. Many British citizens are trapped in a warzone with nowhere to go, under intense daily bombardment of the Gaza strip.
Food, water, fuel, and medicine are being restricted, with limited humanitarian supplies – nowhere near enough – being allowed in. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) – the largest humanitarian agency working in Gaza – has warned that unless fuel is allowed into Gaza immediately, the agency will be forced to halt all operations as of today.
I am, therefore, writing to ask for your support in helping to stop the staggering humanitarian disaster we are witnessing, which is set to get even worse.
We should stand together and united in unequivocally calling on all parties to commit to an immediate ceasefire to allow a humanitarian corridor to be opened, so that lifesaving supplies can get into Gaza and innocent civilians who want to leave be given safe passage out.
The situation in Gaza is at the point of being cataclysmic. All of us must do everything we can to prevent that. There must be no more dithering, or delay, together we must call for an immediate ceasefire.
The First Minister’s letter has been sent to:
Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales
Michelle O’Neill First Minister (Designate) of Northern Ireland
Sir Keir Stamer, Leader of the Labour Party
Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats
Rhun ap Lorwerth, Leader of Plaid Cymru
Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsey, Co-Leaders the Green Party of England and Wales
Douglas Ross, Leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Anas Sarwar, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party
Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater, Co-Leaders of the Scottish Green Party
Alex Cole Hamilton, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats
Clare Adamson, Convenor of the Scottish Parliament Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee
Alicia Kearns, Chair of the UK Parliament Foreign Affairs Select Committee
MEANWHILE, THE UK GOVERNMENT HAS ABSTAINED IN A VOTE CALLING FOR A HUMANITARIAN TRUCE IN GAZA …
UK statement following the UN General Assembly vote on the Jordanian draft resolution on the situation in Gaza, Friday 27 October 2023:
The UK abstained on the Jordanian-drafted resolution.
We welcome the draft’s call for all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law, including the protection of civilians, for the immediate release of hostages and for full and sustained humanitarian access.
These are UK priorities and we have been working tirelessly with partners to achieve these on the ground, including the UK Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary’s engagements with Egypt to open the Rafah crossing to get aid to the Palestinian people.
We are proud to have pledged an additional $37 million in UK aid to help civilians in Gaza since the beginning of the crisis. The UK Prime Minister has been clear that we recognise the need for humanitarian pauses to deliver this aid safely and in a sustained way.
We also welcome the draft’s emphasis on preventing regional escalation of the conflict. It is in no-one’s interest for this conflict to spread.
However, we are deeply disappointed with the draft’s omission of an unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’ terrorist attacks that killed over 1,400 people and took over 200 hostages last week. This should not be controversial.
That is why we voted in favour of the Canadian amendment which would have corrected this.
But we cannot vote for a resolution that is silent on the largest terror attack in Israel’s history.
Hamas has embedded itself in civilian populations, is still holding civilians hostage, and firing rockets at Israel while using Palestinians as human shields. It is clear that Israel is under attack by terrorists and is entitled under international law to defend itself. Any resolution on the situation in Gaza and Israel should be unequivocal on that too.
This is why we abstained on this resolution.
We will continue to work closely with Israel, Palestine, the UN and our partners in the region to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. To ensure that civilians are protected and have access to food, water, medicine, and shelter. And to work towards the peace and stability which can only be achieved by working towards a sustainable Two State Solution.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will today announce a new package of support for Ukraine and the signing of further air defence contracts, procured through the International Fund for Ukraine.
A new package of military support for Ukraine, worth more than £100m, will be announced by the Defence Secretary today. It will help its armed forces clear minefields, maintain its vehicles, and shore up defensive fortifications to protect critical national infrastructure.
The support package, which will be provided using money from the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), will be jointly announced today by the Defence Secretary and his counterparts from the IFU partner nations at a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
It comes as the final contract from the previously announced IFU package of air defence capability was signed, which will see more than £70m of capabilities provided to Ukraine – including the MSI-DS Terrahawk Paladin, a platform which can track and destroy drones and protect critical national infrastructure.
The UK and Denmark launched the IFU in 2022 and the UK engages closely with Ukraine to procure capability that best meets the needs of its armed forces. Since then, five other nations have contributed to the IFU, demonstrating the unity and resolve of allies and partners in supporting Ukraine.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “During my recent visit to Kyiv, I assured President Zelenskyy that the UK’s support for Ukraine and their most urgent needs is unwavering.
“Today I am proud to announce that the UK, alongside our allies, is delivering on that promise with new contracts to provide Ukraine with critical air defence systems to protect civilians from Putin’s barbaric bombing campaign, and more than £100 million of new equipment pledged to give Ukrainian soldiers what they need to breach Russia’s deadly minefields.”
Today, the Defence Secretary attends his first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, where ministers from member countries and Ukraine will discuss the ongoing international response to Putin’s illegal invasion.
It provides an opportunity for the Defence Secretary to raise the UK’s concerns regarding the crisis in Israel and Gaza, the developing situation regarding reported damage to undersea infrastructure between Finland and Estonia, as well as the UK’s recent deployment to Kosovo in support of NATO’s peacekeeping mission.
The announcement comes after the Prime Minister met President Zelenskyy at the European Political Community in Grenada last week. The Ukrainian President has said that air defence is Ukraine’s most critical capability need, and the Terrahawk Paladin will help deliver what Ukraine needs to protect its citizens from Putin’s indiscriminate campaign of missile strikes against civilian targets.
This latest package will also provide crucial equipment to help Ukrainian soldiers cross minefields, bridging capabilities to assist with river and trench crossings, and heavy duty plant vehicles to destroy Russian non-explosive obstacles and help build defensive positions to protect Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, said: This new package of support is the latest in an unprecedented and sustained effort by 50 nations to give Ukraine the tools it needs to counter Russia’s aggression and recover what it has lost.
“This winter, Russia will seek to undermine the morale of the Ukrainian people and divide the international community, but in both cases Putin underestimates the strength and resilience of his opposition. If we stick together, and stay the course, then Russia will continue to lose, Ukraine will prevail and the rules that matter to global security will endure.”
Ukraine is now the most mined country on earth, which has provided the biggest obstacle in the path of Ukraine’s counter-offensive this year and mine clearing capabilities will be essential to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in pushing forward.
Equipment from both the air defence package and mobility support package will arrive in the coming months, joining other IFU-funded equipment already in Ukraine, including around 100 uncrewed aerial systems.
The IFU uses financial contributions from international partners to procure priority military assistance for Ukraine. This will ensure the continued supply of military support – lethal and non-lethal – to Ukraine through 2023 and beyond.
To date, £785m has been raised through the IFU following contributions from the UK, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland and Lithuania.
The IFU has recently expanded to include Lithuania on its Executive Panel, which is now formed by the UK and six other nations which provide oversight and assurance of the Fund, including the endorsement of capability packages.
Focus turns to supporting those remaining in Sudan
The final UK evacuation flight departed from Wadi Saeedna airfield last night after the longest and largest evacuation by any western nation
Follows the successful evacuation of 1888 people since flights started on Tuesday
The UK government remains committed to supporting British nationals who remain in Sudan or are sheltering in other parts of the country
The final UK evacuation flight from Wadi Saeedna airfield departed on Saturday evening, ending the longest and largest evacuation from Sudan of any Western country.
The successful operation has evacuated more than 1888 people on 21 flights, the vast majority of them British nationals and their dependents.
Focus will now turn to providing consular support to British nationals in Port Sudan and in neighbouring countries in the region.
The government decided to end flights today because of a decline in demand by British Nationals, and because the situation on ground continues to remain volatile.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “The UK has brought more than 1888 people to safety from Sudan thanks to the efforts of staff and military working around the clock to deliver this evacuation – the largest of any Western country.
“We continue to press all diplomatic levers to secure a long term ceasefire and end the bloodshed in Sudan. Ultimately a stable transition to civilian rule is the best way to protect the security and prosperity of the Sudanese people.”
“Those still in Sudan who wish to leave should continue to follow our travel advice.”
The UK is pursuing all diplomatic avenues to end the violence in Sudan and return to civilian rule, with the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Defence Secretary and Minister for Africa all speaking with international partners.
Ultimately a stable transition to civilian rule is the best way to protect the security and prosperity of the Sudanese people.
A series of events across Edinburgh to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been launched.
‘Ukraine Forever’ events programme launched at Edinburgh Castle by the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, alongside representatives from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) and other key partners.
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the war against Ukraine on 24 February, ‘Ukraine Forever’ offers a range of events to aid those wishing to mark the event.
From a fundraiser for Hospitallers paramedic charity at the Scottish Storytelling Centre (February 23), to a wreath laying by officials at Edinburgh Castle and the City War Memorial on the Royal Mile (February 24), and a night of music with Scottish and Ukrainian artists at the Usher Hall (February 26), there are many ways for residents and visitors to commemorate those who have fallen in the defence of Ukraine.
The Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge said: “I am privileged to launch the ‘Ukraine Forever’ events programme on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council and our capital city. On this most sombre of anniversaries, we are reminded of the terrible consequences of Russia’s illegal invasion during the past year.
“Thank you to our partners, colleagues, and the Ukrainian community for their excellent work to deliver a programme that is designed to help residents and Ukrainians living in Edinburgh to reflect on the anniversary, raise vital funds for Ukrainian frontline charities, and celebrate the incredible actions of the Ukrainian community here in the capital.
“The ‘Ukraine Forever’ programme will hopefully show the people that are here from Ukraine see the solidarity of feeling that there is here in Edinburgh.”
Minister with Special Responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray said: “As we approach the anniversary of Russia’s illegal re-invasion of Ukraine, it is important for us to take a moment to pause and reflect, and to remember all those who have lost their lives in the conflict.
“It is also a time where we can recognise and acknowledge the extraordinary efforts played by organisations, communities, and people across Scotland in offering displaced people from Ukraine a warm Scottish welcome.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank City of Edinburgh Council and all of our key partners for the crucial role they have played over the last year in helping those who have fled Ukraine. Edinburgh’s ‘Ukraine Forever’ programme will help us all to show our continued support and solidarity with Ukrainians all over the world.
“To all the Ukrainians in Scotland, my message remains clear, we stand with you and want you to know that Scotland is your home for as long as you need it to be.
Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk, Branch Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh, said: “As we approach the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion against Ukraine, we hope this programme of events will provide an opportunity for both residents of Edinburgh and Ukrainians living in the city to come together to commemorate the human sacrifice in the defence of Ukraine.
“We’d like to thank all partners, both from the city and within the Ukrainian community, for the compassionate and collaborative approach to coordinate this events programme.
“The first anniversary is a really important, but sombre, milestone to ensure that the profile of Ukraine’s fight is kept at the forefront of societies discourse in the coming year ahead. We need all of your help to continue supporting Ukraine.”
‘Ukraine Forever’ is a collaborative partnership of events between the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC), the Scottish Government, Associations of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), Help Ukraine Scotland, and Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh.
It is the first study to assess CPTSD prevalence in an active warzone
Addressing the post-traumatic stress caused by the Russian war on Ukraine should play a significant part in the humanitarian response to the conflict, according to new research.
The study, co-led by Edinburgh Napier University’s Professor Thanos Karatzias, is the first to ever assess the prevalence of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) in an active warzone – and comes as the first anniversary of the invasion approaches.
It found 40.5% of the 2,000 participants, made up of adults living in Ukraine between July and September 2022, met the global standard threshold for either PTSD or CPTSD. This compares to a prevalence of 26.5% detected in recent analysis of adult survivors of war and around 10% or less in places unaffected by conflict.
The rates were higher in the east of the country, already occupied by Russia in recent years, although people in every region had been severely affected. Respondents also reported very high rates of war-related stressors, such as having an experience of threat to their personal safety, financial security, or local environment.
It is hoped the research could help inform measures to support Ukrainians impacted by the war.
Professor Karatzias, from ENU’s School of Health and Social Care, said: “Almost a year on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we are beginning to understand the extent of the psychological toll it will be taking on civilians.
“We found people have often been exposed to several potentially traumatic events in that time, whether it is hearing an air-raid siren, facing the destruction of local infrastructure or losing a loved one.
“If and when this war ends, we will need to think about ways we can help people move on with their lives. The humanitarian response, which is already hugely complex, will require some innovative thinking to address these psychological harms.”
Among the other findings were a higher prevalence of CPTSD (compared to PTSD) among female respondents, suggesting the conditions of war in Ukraine have left women more vulnerable to it than men. CPTSD is a more complex condition than PTSD – based on six clusters of symptoms – and may require longer interventions for recovery.
The report also notes that existing trauma treatments would likely be beneficial to support those affected by this conflict – with online delivery a potential solution, given the geographically dispersed population.
At a meeting in Edinburgh yesterday (Friday 27th January) Scotland’s Council Leaders expressed their extreme disappointment that the Cabinet had decided to make interventions in relation to minimum learning hours and pupil teacher ratio.
Council Leaders were clear that given the Scottish Budget for next year, there is a crisis in Local Government funding like never before and the reaction from Scottish Government so far does not reflect the crisis councils, and our communities are facing.
Council Leaders reiterated the limited options facing Local Government as a result of the Budget, now made worse by Scottish Government’s intentions around teacher numbers and the hours children spend in school.
Commenting in a joint statement COSLA Spokespeople Katie Hagmann (Resources) and Tony Buchanan (Children and Young People) said: “This is an unnecessary and unwanted attack and intervention on our democratic mandate as elected politicians in our own right. We are seeing potentially unworkable proposals foisted on us without any prior discussion or consultation with Local Government – proposals we will be seeking legal advice on.
“We believe the teacher census information, which can only ever be a single snapshot in time, does not present the whole picture. It does not reflect that the attainment gap is moving in a positive direction or that we have recruited between August- December 620 teachers permanently and a further 400+ on either a temporary or fixed term basis.
“We have already written to Scottish Government with robust evidence of the investment that councils have been making in teaching and pupil support staff. We’ve also highlighted the impact that the proposals will have across other council services, with cuts and job losses having to once again be taken from already hard pressed everyday essential service like roads, libraries, and waste.
“It is very disappointing that it has come to this, but we have been honest and upfront with Scottish Government throughout the Budget process. Our budget lobbying and in particular ‘Education SOS’ (attached) made clear the potential impacts on education services prior to the budget announcement, given the pressure of £1bn that exists for Local Government.
“This move will not stop councils from being forced to make reductions in the support we provide to children and young people. Local authorities will have to consider cutting pupil support staff, libraries, youth work and other vital services that support the attainment, health and wellbeing of children and young people.”
Falklands veterans and their families gathered in Edinburgh yesterday (Saturday 18 June) to pay tribute on the 40th anniversary of the end of the conflict. They were joined by the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge and Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown MSP for the parade and remembrance service.
Hundreds lined the streets as the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and the Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums marched along George Street before the service in St Andrew Square. Many Falklands veterans were among those taking part, including former Scots Guards drummer, Graham Hopewell, from Ayrshire.
At 11am, the bands were joined by more than 120 pipers across Scotland and as far away as Peru, New Zealand and the Falklands, to play “The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain” in unison. This tune was composed by Scottish Pipe Major James Riddell in the midst of the decisive battle on 13th June 1982, which led to the Argentine surrender and the end of the war the following day.
The commemorations were organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, in partnership with the Armed Forces and the Scottish Government.
The Rev Dr Karen Campbell, National Chaplain of the Royal British Legion Scotland, and The Rev Angus Smith, former Padre to the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards who served in the Falklands, jointly led the service.
They remembered the 255 British servicemen who fell in the Falklands, as well as 649 Argentinian military personnel, three civilians, and thousands more who were wounded.
The conflict began on April 2nd, 1982, when Argentina invaded the British territory in the South Atlantic, and ended on June 14th, as British troops approached the capital, Stanley. It was the first military action since the Second World War which involved all elements of the British Armed Forces.
Following the service, wreaths were laid by the Lord Provost, Mr Brown MSP, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, a Falklands veteran and President of Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, the Heads of all three Armed Services in Scotland, and the War Widows Association.
Participants then enjoyed musical entertainment from the two military bands, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, Stuart McLean, Juniper 3 and Ellyn Oliver. The public were also able to enjoy exhibits from Legion Scotland, Poppyscotland, and many other organisations and associations.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It was heartening to see so many people come together today to pay tribute to all those who served in the Falklands. For veterans and their families, today was a very poignant day, as we remembered those who laid down their lives 40 years ago. Even now, many of those who served are still living with the physical and mental scars of the conflict.
“This was also an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary resilience of our Armed Forces community and the vital role they continue to play today. We’re delighted that people of all ages have engaged with our learning programme over recent months, taking the chance to find out more about the Falklands and other conflicts, and their impact on our recent history.
“It was particularly moving to hear the iconic pipe tune “The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain” being played at 11am, both here at St Andrews Square and by our global pipe band in all corners of the world.
“We would like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council and everyone else who has made today’s events possible, as well as the public for their support.”
Keith Brown MSP said: “I am delighted that we have been able to partner with Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland to deliver a commemoration which will provide the people of Scotland with an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices made 40 years ago in the Falklands War.”
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Sharing his memories of the long journey to the Falklands onboard the QE2, Rev Smith said: “We suddenly remembered what war entailed. The question that was at the back of our mind was “would we or would we not return”.
“But I had to go beyond that. I had about 500 lads who were in the same position. These were the ones who were fighting, so it was up to me to help these people as much as possible.”
Reflecting on the 40th anniversary commemorations today, Rev Smith continued: “It has been one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve had in years. The thought that has gone into this, it’s beautiful really.
“The first person I met today was the wife of a great friend of mine, who was amongst the first men killed in the war. We just looked at one another today, and we couldn’t speak.”
Launched: Scotland’s Apartheid Free Zones Map 
Explore the map: www.apartheidfree.scot�
Not listed yet? Businesses and organisations are invited to join and help grow the movement.
