Scotland’s Salute VE80 Concert kicks off remembrance events ahead of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day

A spectacular poppy drop brought a poignant close to the nations official 80th anniversary commemoration concert for VE Day at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh last night.

Second World War veterans and their families were in attendance as special guests of honour, joining a packed crowd to remember those who fought for our freedom 80 years ago and to mark the historic event that was to become known as VE Day on May 8, 1945.

Also in attendance was First Minister John Swinney, along with currently serving members of the Armed Forces and members of the public, who heard first-hand testimonies from surviving Scottish VE Day veterans on the big screen.

Musical highlights included touching performances from Fife singer songwriter Cammy Barnes, who joined the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Military Wives Choir, singer Niamh Corky, and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra violinist Iona McDonald.

Scottish actor Nicholas Ralph, of All Creatures Great and Small fame, also took to the stage to perform with young actress Sadie Addington. The evening was narrated by former MEP, journalist, and voice of the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, with broadcaster Mark Mckenzie, of BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), acting as compere.

Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland said: “We were thrilled to welcome our VE Day veterans to the Usher Hall as we came together in a national act of remembrance to honour those who lived through – and the all too many who sadly lost their lives during the period that was World War Two.

“Our national commemoration concert was a huge success, and you could feel the emotion in the room as our veterans’ stories were told on the big screen. The performances were memorable, touching and apt, and it was the ideal way to celebrate 80 years since VE Day.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended tonight, in particular those from the Armed Forces, both past and present – we thank you for your service.

“A huge thank you also to everyone behind the scenes for all their efforts in putting together this wonderful show, and also to our fabulous performers on the night.

Photo caption:- Band Scot’s girls Holly Eggleton, Maddy Lyons and Erin Gunn

“As VE Day approaches this Thursday, May 8, we encourage you to stop and take time out of your day to remember just as we have done tonight.”

Scotland’s Salute: VE80 – A Night to Remember at the Usher Hall

Scotland’s Salute: VE80 – A Night to Remember

Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland proudly present a special VE80 commemorative concert at Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on 6th May.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling as we mark 80 years since Victory in Europe.

Performing in the concert we have The Bands of HM Royal Marines Scotland, The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, RBLS Dunfermline Pipe Band, Military Wives Choirs from all over Scotland, Cammy Barnes, Amy Hawthorn, Iona McDonald from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Nicholas Ralph from All Creatures Great and Small with Sadie Addington and Anaïs Doppel.

The event will be narrated by Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, previously the voice of the world renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with broadcaster Mark Mckenzie from BFBS Scotland acting as the evenings compere.

This national tribute, endorsed by the Scottish Government, is not to be missed.

Date: 6th May

Venue: Usher Hall, Edinburgh

Tickets available now

Get yours today!

Scots’ actor Nicholas Ralph to support VE80 commemoration concert at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall

Actor Nicholas Ralph will take to the stage as part of the extraordinary Scotland’s Salute VE80 concert this May.

The Scottish performer, of Channel 5 and PBS Masterpiece television series All Creatures Great and Small, is set to tread the boards of the Usher Hall in Edinburgh as Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland celebrate 80 years since the end of World War Two on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – two days prior to VE Day.

He’ll be joined by Scots singer/songwriter Cammy Barnes, as well as both the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland who will perform a varied programme of stirring music befitting the strength and resilience of the wartime generation.

Nicholas said: “I am thrilled to have been asked to participate in Scotland’s Salute VE80 concert. It will be an absolute honour to take to the stage with a short performance in front of many of our nation’s current and former members of the Armed Forces.

“I look forward to seeing everyone and celebrating the upcoming 80th anniversary of VE Day.”

The concert will also feature first-hand testimony from surviving Scottish VE-Day veterans, some of whom will be present on the evening, to reflect on the past and celebrate the enduring spirit of service.

It is being narrated by former MEP, journalist, and voice of the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, with broadcaster Mark Mckenzie, of BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), acting as the evenings compere.

Captain Ann Millar RM, Band Director, said: “The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland are delighted to be involved in the VE80 concert.

“We as a band take huge pride in delivering music to the highest standard and are very much looking forward to working with all the other acts to bring Scotland an evening of musical excellence as well as a fitting tribute to commemorate the men and women, both serving and civilian whose courage 80 years ago led to Victory in Europe.

“We are planning an evening with a full, varied and entertaining programme, featuring moments of poignancy, celebration and tradition in equal parts; it will be an honour to be part of something so profound and special in such an iconic setting in the heart of Edinburgh.” 

A spokesperson for the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland said: “For the Band, it is a privilege to be supporting Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, who we have a long history of supporting and whom carry out outstanding work for both serving and ex-members of HM Armed Forces.

“It is not often where both premier military music ensembles can join forces and this occasion is definitely not to be missed.”

All profits made from ticket sales will be split 50/50 between Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland. Profits will go directly to supporting the Armed Forces community in Scotland, through Legion Scotland’s comradeship events and Poppyscotland’s welfare provisions.”

Tickets for this one-off concert spectacular, which are priced at £20.25 for the Stalls, £25 for the Grand Circle and £19.45 for the Upper Circle, are available now and can be booked through the Usher Hall booking office online or by calling 0131 228 1155.

Scotland’s Salute: Tickets on sale

Tickets are on sale for Scotland’s National event to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe:

Scotland’s Salute – A Tribute to VE-Day 80th Anniversary Concert

Organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, this exciting May event follows on from last June’s hugely successful Scotland Salutes: D-Day 80 concert.

Tickets can be purchased directly from the Usher Hall Website on:

 https://www.usherhall.co.uk/…/scotlands-salute-tribute……