Join us at Lauriston Castle on Sunday 5 October to celebrate Silver Sunday.
Silver Sunday is the national day for older people, which is co-ordinated by Age UK.
Age UK’s Silver Sunday is a national day where people of all generations can come together by hosting fun and free activities for older people. It is a day where older people can meet new people, visit new places, try new activities and connect with their local communities and the generations around them.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Monkeys: Our Primate Family Until 30 Nov 10:00-17:00 Ticketed
See some of the rarest and most endangered primates on Earth in Monkeys: Our Primate Family at the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition explores the remarkable lives of our primate relatives and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive in different habitats. The exhibition brings together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.
Cold War Scotland Until 4 Jan 2026 10:00 – 17:00 Free
Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War. Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Science Saturday 27 Sep 10:30-15:30 Hawthornden Court, Level 1 & Event Space, Level 2 Free, drop in
Celebrate Maths Week Scotland at the museum with crafts, games and puzzles. Unleash your creativity with our maths challenges. Build a Scottish wild animal with LEGO® or design and draw your own animals adapted to suit different climates.
Legends, Myths and Maths: A Journey Through Scotland 28 Sep 11:00-12:00 Auditorium Level 1 Free, booking required
Join author David Macphail to explore the myths, legends, wildlife and landscapes of Scotland, with hidden maths. A fun and interactive talk for families presented by Maths Week Scotland.
In Conversation: Peter Ross and Fraser Hunter 28 Sep 15:00-16:00 Auditorium Level 1 Tickets from £7.50
Join author Peter Ross in conversation with Dr Fraser Hunter, Principal Curator of Prehistoric and Roman Archaeology, as they discuss Peter’s new book ‘Upon A White Horse: Journeys in Ancient Britain and Ireland‘, which explores the enduring mystery of ancient sites and objects and considers the ways in which they continue to hold significance for people now.
The book includes a number of items in National Museums Scotland’s collections, including the strange and fascinating Ballachulish Figure.
Creative Workshop: An Introduction to Drawing Scottish Wildlife 4 Oct 11:00-16:00 Tickets from £45
Take a fresh look at our Scottish wildlife collections. These informal creative workshops will focus on helping you to better understand and engage with these fascinating animals in new ways. Using pencils, artist Meg Buick will teach you how to create various textures and marks to depict the animal world.
Relaxed Morning: Monkeys: Our Primate Family 5 Oct 10:00 – 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30) Special Exhibition Gallery 1 Tickets from £13
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the exhibition. During this time some ambient sounds will be turned down and visitor numbers will be reduced. A sensory backpack will also be available from the front desk to support your visit.
Relaxed Morning 7 Sep 10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30) Free admission, drop-in
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.
Printmaking workshop with Nkem Okwechime 5 Oct 14:00-16:00 Learning Centre Free, booking required
Enjoy a practical printmaking workshop with Scottish-Nigerian artist Nkem Okwechime. Explore how the Museum’s collections have inspired his work and try screen printing techniques to create artwork to take home.
Spotlight On: Monkeys: Our Primate Family 7 Oct 14:00-15:00 £3, £2 Members & Conc.
Join exhibition curator, Dr Andrew Kitchener, to learn how research into our primate collections is shaping our understanding of the biology and conservation of monkey species around the world today.
The first exhibition of its kind to show primates behaving as they would in the wild, ‘Monkeys: Our Primate Family’ brings together more than 50 taxidermy specimens, including monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.
Six Long Legs 15-17 Oct 10:30 – 11:30 and 14:00 – 15:00 Auditorium, Events Space, Level 2 Performance fee, workshop £2
Join us for three days of insect-themed family fun inspired by the National Museums Scotland’s entomology collection. Enjoy a colourful show featuring dressing up, puppetry and mischievous anarchy. Then get creative and build your own bug in a playful and collaborative workshop.
Wild Wings of Hope 15-17 Oct 10:30-16:00 Grand Gallery, Living Lands gallery Free
Explore the extraordinary journeys of migratory birds and insects with storytelling and craft. This three-day event celebrates the biodiversity and cultural heritage of Scotland and Africa.
Curiosity Club: Wild Wings 25 Oct 10:30-12:00 Learning Centre, Level 4 £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities and gallery visits.
Learn how to sketch, taking inspiration from the incredible collections on display in our museum galleries. Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life 30 Sep 14:30-17:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
October Half Term: Make Do and Mend 11 Oct-19 Oct Drop-in daily from 10:00-15:00
Try knitting, repairing and re-using clothes, following advice from a Second World War publication.
Make Do and Mend was a government campaign during the Second World War to teach people how to repair and reuse existing clothing to help them get through the clothing shortage. During October half term, take part in family activities that will introduce you to some of these skills.
Science Sunday 2 Nov 11:00-15:00 Free with museum admission.
Celebrate maths at the National Museum of Flight. Use objects from the collection to practice ‘subitizing’ – the ability to see the number of objects without counting. Find out about the museum collection with our Cryptography Challenges and explore the museum with our new maths trail.
Conservation Hangar Talks Until 29 Mar 2026 14:00-15:00 Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking required.
Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.
A historic street, a climate conscious zoo, an inspiring festival, an inclusive visitor attraction and two tourism champions have been crowned Edinburgh’s best at Scotland’s top tourism and events industry awards.
Six businesses and individuals from the city received awards at the Central and East of Scotland Thistle Awards regional final at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on Thursday night (11 September).
For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards, this year with new headline sponsor Abbey: The Destination Experts, have showcased individual businesses, people and partnership working.
They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration, and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors. Past winners credit the awards with boosting their business, increasing enquiries, and inspiring staff.
Delivered by VisitScotland, in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combines five regional awards and a national final.
Winners from across the Capital include:
Edinburgh Zoo, who took home two awards – Best Visitor Attraction and Climate Action Award, which celebrates businesses making significant progress towards net zero.
Judges praised the popular attraction for its environmental sustainability practices and supportive work environment.
Ben Supple, Deputy Chief Executive, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said:“We are incredibly proud that Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best visitor attraction in Central and East Scotland.
“Nature needs us all more than ever and we want everyone who visits the zoo to learn more about our natural world and how they can protect wildlife.
“Everyone at Edinburgh Zoo is dedicated to protecting nature, tackling climate change and saving wildlife.
“It is wonderful that the sustainability activities and innovations at the zoo have been recognised with the climate action award too, including the installation of our new solar meadow.”
The Real Mary King’s Closewas also a double winner, scooping bothEmployer of the Year and Individual of the Year – General ManagerPaul Nixon.
The historic street sits beneath the Royal Mile, where guests explore authentically preserved 17th-century streets on immersive, one-hour tours led by costumed guides.
Paul, who also chairs the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), said:“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised as Employer of the Year. This award reflects the passion, care and creativity of our brilliant team — the heart of everything we do.
“From wellbeing to development, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and inspired.”
And reflecting on his personal accomplishment, Paul added: “It’s an incredible honour to be named Tourism Individual of the Year. I’m fortunate to work in an industry that’s all about people — their stories, experiences and communities.
“This award reflects the brilliant teams I’ve worked with and the passion that drives us all to keep making Scotland’s tourism offer world-class.”
Edinburgh International Book Festival won the award for Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, sponsored bySTV.
The category recognises the outstanding cultural events and festivals that are part of Scotland’s tourism offering.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a charity which celebrates and shares the power of writers, their ideas, and the words they craft to illuminate, challenge, and inspire.
Held in the heart of the city at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, each August it presents almost 700 events featuring writers and thinkers from around the world.
As well as children and families, young adults, adults, and schools programmes, the festival brings writers into community settings such as libraries, hospitals and prisons, and streams events online.
Jenny Niven, Director & CEO, Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “We’re honoured to be recognised for our work bringing authors and audiences together through a shared love of books, ideas, and conversation.
“This win is a testament to the creativity, care, and commitment of our team and the many brilliant partners we collaborate with across Scotland and beyond.”
The Inclusion Award, sponsored by Historic Scotland, was won by Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
Edinburgh’s oldest visitor attraction earned the judges’ favour through initiatives like sensory backpacks and quiet spaces, and their new virtual tour shows thoughtful consideration and offers reassurance and flexibility for all visitors.
These showed their commitment to inclusivity – especially for neurodiverse visitors.
General Manager Andrew Johnson said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award for Inclusivity.
“It’s a powerful recognition of the commitment our entire team has made to ensure Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a place where everyone feels welcome, represented, and inspired.”
Finally, The Rising Star Award, sponsored by HIT Scotland was presented to Hugh Mackay from Highland Experience Tours.
Hugh began his career in the tourism industry in 2024. While working with Highland Experience Tours, he has delivered over 200 tours, received more than 150 individual five-star guest reviews, and contributed to a 12% uplift in overall tour ratings for the company.
He has been praised for his leadership, authenticity, and natural charisma, which has made him a standout ambassador for Scottish tourism and a true rising star.
Hugh said:“As a young man from the far north of Scotland, I’m honoured to be recognised in this moment that reflects my commitment to hospitality and tourism, and my passion for showcasing Scotland’s very best to every guest I have the privilege of welcoming on my tours.”
VisitScotland Regional Director Neil Christison said: “A huge well done to all our regional winners for this amazing achievement. Having such strong representation from Edinburgh highlights the quality found across the city.
“Being recognised by the Scottish Thistle Awards, means tourism businesses are considered some of the best in the country. The awards help to ensure that tourism, and the individuals who work in the industry, are praised for the positive impact they bring to the country and our communities.
“I wish everyone the best of luck for the national final in November where they will be representing Edinburgh.”
Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Entrants to all categories must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
Regional winners for Central and East were announced at a ceremony hosted by radio DJ Grant Stott and delivered by VisitScotland, with headline sponsors Abbey: The Destination Experts – part of the Abbey Group, a collection of travel companies specialising in inbound tourism to the UK & Ireland.
Winners from all five regional awards, which also include the West, Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards (delivered in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise) go on to compete at the Scottish Thistle Award national ceremony in November.
This year’s sponsors also include AccessAble, Fishers, Get Your Guide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), STV, The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Alan Cumming is set to host a fundraising event for the Theatre on Sunday 28 September, when he spends an entertaining evening in conversation with sports pundits Tam Cowan and Stuart Cosgrove, celebrating over 30 years of Scotland’s best loved (and self-proclaimed worst informed) football radio show, BBC Radio Scotland’s Off the Ball.
Whether you are a football fan or a Theatre lover (or both!) , join Alan as he delves into the history of this dynamic duo, and their unique style of football punditry which has brought joy each week to football fans across Scotland. The conversation will be followed by the chance for audience members to ask their own questions to Tam and Stuart.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Alan Cummingsaid: “I am a huge fan of Off the Ball even though I know and have very little interest in football.
“I guested on the show once (and can’t wait to again, hint hint), and my big brother – who is a football nut and was I think rather jealous of my proximity to Scotland’s fitba royalty – said ‘you just giggled the whole time’. And he was right. “Tam and Stuart are hilarious, irreverent, and even just the timbre of their voices and their vocabulary make me howl with laughter and I could listen to them all day.
“This fundraiser is a beautiful gesture by them to support me and my plans for my first season of work at Pitlochry Festival Theatre and a great chance for everyone who loves football and comedy to witness, in the flesh, these petty and ill-informed football titans!”
Tam Cowanadded: “I first suggested doing this fundraiser for the theatre when Alan Cumming was appointed artistic director as he’s been a great friend of Off the Ball with numerous plugs for the programme on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Me and Stuart appreciate the support (it’s not every day a James Bond baddie praises your work!) and, to reciprocate, I thought the least we could do was put on a wee freebie at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, just a few miles from where Stuart was born and bred.
“We’re really looking forward to a no-holds-barred petty & ill-informed evening of stories, jokes and memories – and we might even spill a few Off the Ball secrets for the punters who donate a few quid extra by splashing out on a VIP meet’n’greet ticket…!”
Pitlochry festival Theatre new Studio official opening.
An Evening with Off the Ball’s Tam Cowan and Stuart Cosgrove is scheduled as the first in a series of In Conversation fundraising events to be held at the Theatre over the next year.
These events will bring in much needed funds for the Theatre, a charity, which produces work here in Pitlochry at its on-site workshop and rehearsal rooms.
The funds from the evening will go to support the Theatre’s 2026 programme, which will be Alan Cumming’s first season of programming as Artistic Director, as well as the Theatre’s 75th Anniversary Season.
Further In Conversation events will be announced in the coming months.
General tickets for the fundraising event cost £25. VIP Meet and Greet packages are also available, allowing audiences members the opportunity to enjoy nibbles and drinks whilst chatting with Tam, Stuart, and Alan.
An Evening with Off the Ball’s Tam Cowan and Stuart Cosgrove will be on Sunday 28 September at 7pm at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Tickets are available from the box office on 01796 484626 or online at pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com
To find out more about supporting Pitlochry Festival Theatre visit:
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Monkeys: Our Primate Family Until 30 Nov 10:00-17:00 Ticketed
See some of the rarest and most endangered primates on Earth in Monkeys: Our Primate Family at the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition explores the remarkable lives of our primate relatives and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive in different habitats. The exhibition brings together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.
Cold War Scotland Until 4 Jan 2026 10:00 – 17:00 Free
Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War. Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Audio Descriptive Tour: Monkeys: Our Primate Family 3 September Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 17:30-19:00
Join our tour guide for an audio descriptive tour of Monkeys: Our Primate Family, with accompanying sensory resources and a chance to explore the exhibition after hours. This tour is aimed at blind, partially sighted and visually impaired visitors. It is most suitable for those ages 14+.
Relaxed Morning 7 Sep 10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30) Free admission, drop-in
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.
Relaxed Morning: Monkeys: Our Primate Family 7 Sep 10:00 – 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30) Special Exhibition Gallery 1 Tickets from £13
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the exhibition. During this time some ambient sounds will be turned down and visitor numbers will be reduced.
A sensory backpack will also be available from the front desk to support your visit.
Legends, Myths and Maths: A Journey Through Scotland 28 Sep 11:00-12:00 Auditorium Level 1 Free, booking required
Join author David Macphail to explore the myths, legends, wildlife and landscapes of Scotland, with hidden maths. A fun and interactive talk for families presented by Maths Week Scotland.
In Conversation: Peter Ross and Fraser Hunter 28 Sep 15:00-16:00 Auditorium Level 1 Tickets from £7.50
Join author Peter Ross in conversation with Dr Fraser Hunter, Principal Curator of Prehistoric and Roman Archaeology, as they discuss Peter’s new book. ‘Upon A White Horse: Journeys in Ancient Britain and Ireland’ (due to be published on 11 Sep 2025) explores the enduring mystery of ancient sites and objects and considers the ways in which they continue to hold significance for people now.
The book includes a number of items in National Museums Scotland’s collections, including the strange and fascinating Ballachulish Figure.
Creative Workshop: An Introduction to Drawing Scottish Wildlife 4 Oct 11:00-16:00 Tickets from £45
Take a fresh look at our Scottish wildlife collections. These informal creative workshops will focus on helping you to better understand and engage with these fascinating animals in new ways. Using pencils, artist Meg Buick will teach you how to create various textures and marks to depict the animal world.
Spotlight On: Monkeys: Our Primate Family 7 Oct 14:00-15:00 £3, £2 Members & Conc.
Join exhibition curator, Dr Andrew Kitchener, to learn how research into our primate collections is shaping our understanding of the biology and conservation of monkey species around the world today.
The first exhibition of its kind to show primates behaving as they would in the wild, ‘Monkeys: Our Primate Family’ brings together more than 50 taxidermy specimens, including monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Dog and Duck Day 13 Sep 10:30 –15:30 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Join us for a fun-filled day of working dog displays, crafts and family storytelling at the National Museum of Rural Life. See clever canines at work in outdoor displays from the Drakes of Hazard sheepdog and duck team and specialist dog trainers, Mordor Gundogs.
This full-day workshop with natural dyer and textile artist Elisabeth Viguie-Culshaw is suitable for both beginners and those with some natural dyeing or eco printing experience.
Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life 30 Sep 14:30-17:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
360 Fest 6 Sept 10:00-17:00 Tickets from £13.50, book in advance to save
Go full circle at our big family event at the National Museum of Flight. You’ll be on a roll this September with our all round family fun event. From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s head spinning.
October Half Term: Make Do and Mend 11 Oct-19 Oct Drop-in daily from 10:00-15:00
Try knitting, repairing and re-using clothes, following advice from a Second World War publication. Make Do and Mend was a government campaign during the Second World War to teach people how to repair and reuse existing clothing to help them get through the clothing shortage. During October half term, take part in family activities that will introduce you to some of these skills.
Conservation Hangar Talks Until 29 Mar 2026 14:00-15:00 Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking required.
Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.
VJ Day 80 celebrations will include flypasts, music and commemorations across the globe
The Armed Forces will lead the nation in marking the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day 80) with a series of spectacular ceremonies next week.
The military contribution to the commemorations will include:
Flypasts, musicians and a guard of honour at the Royal British Legion’s national commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum
A sunset ceremony and lightshow recognising the contribution of the Commonwealth to the Second World War on the eve of VJ Day
Performances by military bagpipers at dawn on VJ Day to mark 80 years since peace was restored to the Far East
A service of remembrance on board the flight deck of aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, as the UK Carrier Strike Group continues its deployment to the Indo-Pacific
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “The bravery and sacrifice of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces during the Second World War continue to inspire us today.
“The nation will come together on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day to thank those who served and remember those who died.
Our UK Armed Forces today continue the legacy of the Greatest Generation – protecting the peace they secured through their courage and commitment across the world.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “The Armed Forces are proud to be at the heart of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day this month.
“The service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation continues to inspire the men and women of today’s Armed Forces.
“The alliances and partnerships forged during the Second World War – in NATO, the Commonwealth and in the Far East – still keep us safe today.”
Around 400 members of the Armed Forces will pay tribute to Second World War veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum for the national commemorative event hosted by the Royal British Legion (15 August).
The national event in Staffordshire will include a guard of honour of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force and flypasts by the Red Arrows and The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The historic Second World War-era aircraft appearing during the ceremony will include The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster.
Gurkhas from the British Army’s Brigade of Gurkhas will also form part of the guard of honour in recognition of the contribution of 120,000 Gurkha soldiers during the Second World War, particularly in Malaya, Burma and Singapore.
The VJ Day 80 commemorations will begin on the evening of 14 August with a spectacular sunset ceremony at the Memorial Gates in London to pay tribute to Commonwealth personnel who served and died in the Far East.
An emotive lightshow projected on to the Memorial Gates, using images and stories from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s digital story-sharing platform For Evermore, will tell the story of people from around the world who served in support of the allies during the Far East campaign.
Lord Boateng, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Council, will lay a wreath on behalf of HM The King during the ceremony.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Torch for Peace will be lit to close the ceremony, in a reminder of our shared commitment to peace and security.
The Ministry of Defence will also lead a moment of reflection at The Cenotaph, the United Kingdom’s national monument to UK and Commonwealth personnel who died in the world wars.
At dawn on VJ Day itself, military bagpipers will perform the lament Battle’s O’er at The Cenotaph, in the Far East section of the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, and at Edinburgh Castle.
The dawn lament will coincide with a remembrance moment at a Japanese peace garden to reflect the reconciliation which has taken place between the UK and Japan in the decades since the Second World War.
The simultaneous performances will be broadcast live in the UK at dawn as the nation gathers to mark 80 years of peace in the Far East and remember those who died during the campaign.
They will be joined in unison by military pipers performing in key locations around the world to recognise the contribution of communities across the Indo-Pacific to the Second World War, including on board HMS Prince of Wales, at sea in the Far East.
This includes performances by UK Armed Forces pipers in Japan, Nepal, Brunei and New Zealand.
The ship’s company of HMS Prince of Wales will hold a short service of remembrance on board the aircraft carrier’s flight deck, led by a Royal Navy chaplain and including a minute’s silence.
The aircraft carrier is currently leading the UK Carrier Strike Group on deployment to the Far East, where the flagship is leading a convoy of 12 allies to demonstrate their operational capability, bolster the UK’s commitment to NATO and to protect peace and prosperity in the region.
Armed Forces personnel on duty in the UK and on operations and exercises around the world will pause to mark the anniversary, remembering those who died and thanking veterans of the Second World War for their service.
The twinkle lights are up, the books are on the shelves, the food trucks have pulled up – oh yes, the Book Festival site at Edinburgh Futures Institute is ready for all the amazing authors, artists, costume characters, musicians, thinkers, dreamers, and, most importantly, YOU – our wonderful audience – to start arriving from Saturday. 9th August – i.e. TODAY!.
If you still haven’t decided what to come along to yet, we’ve got you! This e-news will give you plenty of events to pick from:
From Print Expo 2525, celebrating 10 years of Out of the Blueprint, to other workshops and performances, there’s lots going on at the Drill Hall in August.
What do you fancy getting involved in?
Just take a look at our website for the full programme.
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 10am on Saturday, June 28, as the annual procession of around 400 members of the Armed Forces community will assemble in Charlotte Square, led by 10 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 Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, followed a day of fun and entertainment until 3pm.
Highlights will include The Highland and Lowland Bands of the Royal Regiment of Scotland; The Royal British Legion Scotland and Association’s Standards and Veterans; live performances from Stuart McLean, Richard Kerr, Niamh Corkey, Fraser Mclean and Maria Townsley. The event will be hosted by BFBS broadcaster Mark McKenzie.
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 Legion Scotland, said: “Armed Forces Day on Saturday follows on from Monday’s event (June 23) when the Armed Forces Day flag was presented to the Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron, and raised above Edinburgh’s City Chambers with pride to honour military personnel past, present and future.
“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 Legion Scotland, Poppyscotland and many more.”
Meanwhile, Poppyscotland, in partnership with Legion Scotland, are calling for volunteers to help man collection stations over the course of the weekend.
Volunteers are required to help at both Waverley and Haymarket train stations during timed slots on either June 28 or June 29.
If you would be interested in volunteering on either Saturday, June 28 or Sunday, June 29, please sign up today:
