Tag: wreaths

Hundreds gather to pay their respects during 2-minute silence to mark Armistice Day

Hundreds of people gathered as a single gunshot fired from Edinburgh Castle today to mark a 2-minute silence at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month to remember those who have fallen in conflicts through the years. 

The signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, marked the end of the First World War and each year since 1919 the nation has paid tribute to those who have lost their lives in battle.

Preceding the gun fire, at a service within the Garden of Remembrance on Princes Street, Bugler Iona Macfarlane, a medical student at the University of Edinburgh, performed the Last Post.

At the Edinburgh service, wreaths were then laid by the Right Honourable Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge.  

Additional wreaths were laid by the CEO of Legion Scotland, Dr Claire Armstrong OBE, Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland, Colonel (Retd) Jim Wilson, Veterans Scotland, Maj (Retd) Alasdair Henry Hutton OBE TD OstJ, Edinburgh and Lothian & Borders Area President, Legion Scotland, and Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, the National Chaplain of Legion Scotland.  

Piper Lorne McIntyre from George Heriot’s School then completed the day’s service under glorious sunshine in the capital city.

Dr Claire Armstrong, CEO of Legion Scotland, said: “As a country, and as an organisation, we will never forget the sacrifices that have been made for so many, for the sake of so few.  

“These sacrifices are made on a daily occurrence by our Armed Forces community, and they are made on our behalf. I wish to thank our Armed Forces community for their continued dedication to our values and our freedoms. “ 

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store hosts two free foraging events

Garden gifting inspiration with Dobbies

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is spreading festive cheer in Edinburgh by hosting two free workshops in November encouraging families to get inspired this Christmas with Gifts from the Garden.

Focusing on foraging and cost-saving methods to fill your home, the Grow How session and Little Seedlings Club workshop in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will inspire gardeners of all ages and abilities.

Grow How, a 15-minute session that takes place on Saturday 4 November at 10:30am, will give gardeners a guide on seasonal activities. Horticultural experts will show how gardens can be foraged to create sustainable wreaths and natural decorations for the Christmas tree and home.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club takes place in the morning on Sunday 5 November and is suitable for children aged 4-10 years old.

The gardening workshop is great for children who have an interest in learning about wildlife, plants and the environment, and takes place in a friendly group setting.

This educational and interactive children’s workshop will explore the changes that happen in the garden during winter, what natural items and foraged, alongside a look the history of popular decorative items like wreaths and Christmas trees.

In a bid to showcase sustainable ways families can get the home feeling festive this year, Dobbies’ CSR and Community Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, explains why these events are perfect for gardeners of all abilities.

She said: “We are always looking for ways we can bring the outside in, there’s no better way to get in the festive spirit than with some craft activities. The workshops in Edinburgh are suited for every member of the family, welcoming everyone to come together and decorate the home this Christmas.

“When decorating for the seasons, we encourage sustainable practices where possible, and foraging is the best way to use what is already in your garden.

“If you are lucky enough to find them in your garden, Pinecones and Acorns make for wonderful Christmas tree decorations and Moss, Fir, Eucalyptus and Holly leaves make a great base for a wreath.”

For more information about November’s events and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events