Tag: memorial service

Memorial service for Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer

The life and legacy of one of Scotland’s most esteemed academics and humanitarians will be honoured at a memorial service in Edinburgh next month.

Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer KT OBE, who died in June at the age of 85, was Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, a pioneering scientist whose research transformed the global brewing industry, and a tireless campaigner for equality and justice.

Family, friends, colleagues, dignitaries and members of the public will gather at the city’s historic St Giles’ Cathedral to pay tribute to his extraordinary life and contributions.

The service will feature personal tributes, speeches, and musical performances from the University’s Chamber Choir and guest musicians.

Open to all, the ceremony will take place on Friday 11 October from 11am to 12:30pm, with doors opening at 10am. Those who wish to attend are advised to register their interest in advance.

Reflecting on Sir Geoff’s impact, Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “Sir Geoff was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world.

“His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education were impossible to ignore, and this University was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years.”

The service is being hosted jointly by Heriot-Watt University and the City of Edinburgh Council, represented by the Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh.

In a lasting tribute to Sir Geoff, the University has created a new scholarship in his honour. The Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Scholarship will allow a student of Jamaican descent or citizenship to for follow in his footsteps and reflects Sir Geoff’s dedication to opportunity, inclusion, and the belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed  live on YouTube. 

80th Anniversary of the end of the war against Japan

Commemorating those who fought and died in the campaigns in the Far East

YESTERDAY (Saturday 16 August 2025) The Royal Scots Regimental Association led a memorial service at The Royal Scots Memorial Garden at Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Japan which marked the end of the Second World War (VJ Day, 15 August 1945).

Those on parade included descendants of those who fought in the Far East between 1941 and 1945, former Royal Scots and their families as well as representatives of other services and arms that were involved in the various campaigns.  

Having formed up in front of Lauriston Castle, they marched the short distance to the Royal Scots Memorial Garden behind the Royal Scots Association Pipe Band and their Association Standards.  

A short service was conducted by Reverend Dr Iain May, Chaplain to The Royal Scots Regimental Association.  The wreath laying was led by Brigadier George Lowder, President of The Royal Scots Regimental Association.

The Royal Scots, recruited predominantly from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Peeblesshire, were involved from the first day to the last of this bitterly fought campaign.  

Their 2nd Battalion fought in defence of Hong Kong from 8 December 1941 and 144 of those who survived were among the 828 prisoners who perished when their ship, the Lisbon Maru, was torpedoed in October 1942; the remainder, if they survived, endured four years of captivity.  

The Regiment’s 1st Battalion fought through the later campaign in Burma, including the Battles of Kohima and Aradura which marked the turning point in the war against Japan and led to the final victory on VJ Day, 15 August 1945.

Malcolm Warrack, son of Lt Col Morren Warrack who fought at Kohima with the regiment, said: “A group of Royal Scots Veterans felt very strongly about the lack of some form of local memorial specifically for their fellow soldiers who did not come back from the Burma Campaign and Kohima in particular.

“George Rogers, Ian Henderson and Morren Warrack co-ordinated the preparation and creation of this Memorial Garden; they spoke often about the “Forgotten Army” in the Far East so it is particularly fitting that 80 years after VJ Day we remember them.”

Gerry Borg, son of Lisbon Maru survivor John Borg, said: “We can never fully appreciate the suffering and pain endured by the brave men who were Prisoners of War in Japan.

“From a very young age we were taught that the word ‘starving’ was forbidden in our house. Dad would remind us that we never had, and hopefully never would, experience true starvation.

“On the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, it is right that we remember the sacrifice made on our behalf. We must preserve the history of the events and, honour those involved.”

Brigadier Lowder added: “Having had the privilege as a young officer to meet some of the survivors of the 1st and 2nd Battalions and hear first hand their accounts of their experiences in the Far East, Hong Kong and in captivity, this 80th Anniversary of the end of the war against Japan was particularly poignant.

“The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) will never forget their service and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

RHCYP Memorial Service

GREYFRIARS CHARTERIS CENTRE. THE PLEASANCE on 24th NOVEMBER

The RHCYP’s Memorial Service in Greyfriars Charteris Centre, 138/140 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9RR, offers space for personal or shared reflection for those who’ve experienced the death of a child.

People of all ages, all beliefs or none, are most welcome:

https://ow.ly/f1o750TJzT5

Overdose Awareness Day: Memorial Service at Saughton Park Bandstand

Please share this event to remember those lost to their battles with substance use on Overdose Awareness Day.

https://ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/edinburgh/saughton-park-gardens/memorial-service-for-overdose-awareness-day/e-deyjrp…?

Gretna Rail Disaster Memorial Service

Commemorating those Royal Scots who perished in Britain’s worst rail disaster

On Saturday 25 May 2024, The Royal Scots Regimental Association will hold its annual Memorial Service at Rosebank Cemetery, Pilrig Street, Edinburgh, to remember all those who lost their lives in the Gretna Rail Disaster in May 1915, the worst rail disaster in the country’s history.

At approximately 06:49 on the morning of Saturday 22 May 1915 a troop-train carrying half (498 all ranks) of the 7th (Leith) Battalion, The Royal Scots (The Lothian Regiment) (7RS), who had been deployed to Gallipoli and were heading south, collided head on with a local passenger train.  

The passenger train had been ‘parked’, facing north, on the south-bound main line at Quintinshill, just North of Gretna, to allow a following express to overtake it. The troop train overturned, mostly onto the neighbouring north-bound mainline track and, a minute later, the Glasgow-bound express ploughed into the wreckage causing the troop train to burst into flames.

16. (7.16) The funeral procession of the 7th Battalion passing through Leith, 1915.

Three officers, 31 NCOs and 182 soldiers of 7th Battalion The Royal Scots, the driver and fireman on the troop-train, and 10 others, mostly from the express train, died and many more were injured in what was the worst rail disaster in the country’s history.

Led by their Pipe Band and the Association Standard Party, The Royal Scots Regimental Association will parade from the cemetery entrance on Pilrig Street at 10:45 on Saturday 25 May 2024.  

The service will be conducted by Rev Stephen Blakey, formerly padre of 1st Battalion, The Royal Scots, commencing at 10:55 at the Gretna Memorial which stands in the western corner of the cemetery.  All are most welcome to attend.

Brigadier George Lowder, President of The Royal Scots Regimental Association, said: “Amidst all the sacrifices and loss of The First World War, the tragic loss of 216 Members of 7 RS in the Quintinshill Rail Disaster in the early morning of 22 May 2015 en route to embarking for Gallipoli was a huge blow to The Regiment, to Leith, and to Edinburgh. 

“Leith marked their passing in a way that highlighted the close links between the Battalion and the Community. It was believed that every family in Leith was touched by the disaster and the Community continued to suffer as others injured in the crash subsequently died of their injuries.

“Our commemoration remembers not only those of 7RS who lost their lives but also the close tie between The Regiment and Leith that still endures today”.

Ukraine: Prime Minister statement

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made a statement to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

When Putin launched his illegal invasion two years ago, the free world was united in its response. We stood together behind Ukraine. And on this grim anniversary, we must renew our determination.

I was in Kyiv just a few weeks ago and I met wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Each harrowing story was a reminder of Ukraine’s courage in the face of terrible suffering.

It was a reminder of the price they are paying not only to defend their country against a completely unjustified invasion, but also to defend the very principles of freedom, sovereignty and the rule of law, on which we all depend. 

The UK is going further in our support. I announced last month the biggest single package of defence aid to Ukraine, taking our total support to £12 billion and signed a ten-year agreement on security cooperation – the first of its kind. 

This is the moment to show that tyranny will never triumph and to say once again that we will stand with Ukraine today and tomorrow. 

We are prepared to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, until they prevail.

First Minister Humza Yousaf to attend Ukrainian memorial service

Solidarity with Ukraine

On the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the First Minister will attend a service held at Edinburgh Castle in memory of those who have died during the conflict.

The event is a collaboration between the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh Branch and the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Great Britain.

During the service, the First Minister will deliver a reading as well as lay a wreath alongside Mr Andrii Kuslii, Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh and members of the Ukrainian communities living in Scotland.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “On the second anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine, I want to make it clear that the people of Scotland remain steadfast in support of the country and its brave citizens.

“Ukrainians are fighting for freedom, the rule of law, and the right of countries across Europe to coexist in peace and security.

“As we mourn the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people, we also look ahead positively, hoping for a day soon when Ukraine can live in peace as a free, sovereign, European nation.”

Ainslie Park community to remember the Cairngorm tragedy

50 years ago on 21 – 22nd November a group of students from Ainslie Park High School along with a trainee instructor from Lagganlia sadly lost their lives whilst on an expedition to the Cairngorm mountains.

Recognising the impact this tragedy had on all involved as well as the wider community of North Edinburgh, Granton Parish Church will be holding a memorial service tomorrow – Sunday 21st November – at 2pm in the church.

Full details at https://www.grantonchurch.org.uk/cairngorm-tragedy…/

The tragedy remains the worst peacetime loss of life in a mountaineering accident in the United Kingdom.

Recognising the impact this tragedy had on all involved as well as the wider community of North Edinburgh, Granton Parish Church will be holding a memorial service on Sunday 21st November at 2pm in the church.

The service will be live-streamed for those who cannot physically make it.

Please continue to hold the families of those who lost their lives as well as all those affected in your prayers.

We would appreciate everyone spreading the word, especially if you are in contact or know of families, friends and pupils who were directly affected by the tragedy.

As Covid restictions for churches have been relaxed there is now no need to limit numbers attending. However, bear in mind that if you would be more comfortable following online then that option is available.

Note that it is still a requirement to wear a face-covering in churches unless an exemption card is held.

If you would like to get in touch with the church in relation to the memorial service please telephone Norman of 0131 551 2159 or email info@granton.org.uk.