Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended the 75th Anniversary of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle at the weekend (Friday 15th).
The Duke took the role of Salute Taker during the performance, joining audiences in celebrating this milestone year that spotlights the heroes who have made the show over the last 75 years.
DUKE AND DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH COMMEMORATE VJ DAY 80
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were among a host of dignitaries and special guests who laid wreaths to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day yesterday (Friday).
Held within the Scottish National War Memorial, the Duke and Duchess attended the special service, organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland and led by Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, and were joined by the Rt. Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Veterans, Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, National President, Royal British Legion Scotland, Colonel Patrick O’Meara QAM, Poppyscotland, Elaine Edwards, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Sue Raw, War Widows Association, among others.
As well as paying homage to those who lost their lives during the war, those in attendance heard the stories of World War II veterans Bill Ramage, Whitson Johnston and Jack Ransom, all of whom have since sadly died.
The trio had previously spoken about that day on 15 August, 1945, when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces and how it was met with relief and celebration that after six long years the war was finally over.
Also present at the event was Jenny Martin, whose mother was pregnant when she was captured by the Japanese in the fall of Singapore in 1942, and was born a Far East prisoner of war spending the first three years of her life in captivity.
Charmaine McMeekin, the daughter of British Army Officer and author of The Railway Man, Eric Lomax, and Nigel Robb, the son of Flt Sgt George Deuchar Robb from the 117 Sqn RAF, who flew Bristol Beaufighters in India were also in attendance.
Music was performed by the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Edinburgh Voices choir and Piper, Ronan Gilchrist.
Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It’s hugely important that we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, a day that marked the end of six years of world war.
“We were honoured to have Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in attendance, as well as World War II veterans and their families, especially in such a historic setting as the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle.
“We hope others stop and take a moment of reflection today to remember the importance of VJ Day 80 years on.”
The Edinburgh 900 programme has received a royal boost, with the Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron welcoming TRH The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to the ‘Showcasing Edinburgh 900’ event at the City Chambers on Monday evening.
Edinburgh 900 is a celebration of the nine centuries of history and traditions in Scotland’s capital city since the founding of the royal burgh by King David I in around 1124.
To celebrate the event the main Council Chamber was set up to represent the ten themes of Edinburgh 900, where the royal party were given an insight into each theme by invited experts.
The evening concluded with a moving musical piece from Shionka Kamikaji-Inkster, playing the clarsach.
The city council says Edinburgh’s communities have a central role to play in these celebrations. The Edinburgh 900 Community Fund aims to allow our residents to celebrate their city’s rich heritage and inspiring present.
Community fund applications need to be led by an Edinburgh-based community group and focussed on activities or events held within their local area. Each application can be to a maximum of £5,000.
The full criteria and guidance for applications are available on our website. The deadline for applications is 27 May 2024.
If you’re already planning events for 2024 or 2025 and would like to be part of our Edinburgh 900 programme, you can apply through our separate application process to use the Edinburgh 900 logo and be advertised on the programme website and marketing activity.
For any general queries about the Edinburgh 900 programme please contact edinburgh900@edinburgh.gov.uk
Depute Lord Provost, Lezley Marion Cameron said: “I was delighted to welcome TRH The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to the ‘Showcasing Edinburgh 900’ event at the City Chambers, which gave us an opportunity to shine a light on the main themes of the programme. It’s fantastic to have this Royal support for such a key project for our city.
“It was wonderful to hear from a wide variety of representatives from the local community to discuss these themes.
“I’m looking forward to the official launch of Edinburgh 900, which is due to take place in July.
“It’s been really encouraging to have a number of community groups from across the city show interest in taking part in Edinburgh 900.
“There’s still time to get your application in for the community fund during the next week, and I’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”
