Scotland falls silent as 80th anniversary of VE Day commemorated with remembrance services and special events
At first light, Scotland's national piper Louise Marshall played a lament to the fallen on Portobello Beach in Edinburgh
NEVER FORGOTTEN Scotland falls silent as 80th anniversary of VE Day commemorated with remembrance services and special events
SCOTLAND fell silent today for the poignant commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Special services and events were held across the country to mark eight decades since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
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Scotland commemorated VE Day today with remembrance services and special events
Credit: Wattie Cheung
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Travellers and staff stopped to observe a two-minute silence at Glasgow Queen Street
Credit: Wattie Cheung
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At the Scottish Parliament politicians paid their respects
Credit: Alamy
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Deputy first minister Kate Forbes attended a service of remembrance at Glasgow Cathedral
Credit: Wattie Cheung
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Veteran Jim Bowes dances with a staff member during a VE Day tea party at Erskine Home in Bishopton
Credit: Getty
At first light, Scotland's national piper Louise Marshall played a lament to the fallen on Portobello Beach in Edinburgh.
Later in the day, a service of remembrance was held at Glasgow Cathedral, with military personnel, veterans' groups, emergency services, religious organisations and politicians attending.
A two-minute silence was also observed at major rail hubs, including Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations.
At Erskine nursing home in Bishopton, Renfrewshire, a 1940s-style party was held for ex-servicemen and women.
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At Holyrood, political leaders paid VE Day tributes as John Swinney called for efforts to 'build a better, safer and more peaceful world'.
The First Minister said: 'On this, the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, Scotland pays tribute to our Second World War generation.
'We express our gratitude for the 57,000 individuals from Scotland who lost their lives in military conflict during World War II and to the many civilians also killed and injured at home.
'They gave of themselves so that we could enjoy freedom today. We will all naturally think about how the lives of our own families were affected.'
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He also recalled the sacrifice of his uncle, Thomas Hunter, who died in battle in Italy, just 35 days before the end of the war.
Mr Swinney added: 'The lessons and the suffering of the Second World War must be remembered today so that we all act to protect the freedom and the democracy that we have enjoyed as a result.
Brits party like it's 1945 as UK celebrates 80th anniversary of VE Day with a proper knees-up
'Together we give thanks and dedicate ourselves to building a better, safer and more peaceful world.'
Scottish Tory leader, Russell Findlay, said: 'None of us here can truly appreciate the selfless sacrifice, duty and bravery of the greatest generation who fought and died for our freedom. Today, Victory in Europe Day, we remember them.'
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Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, said: 'In Scotland, Britain and beyond, we remember those who gave everything for the fight against fascism, the greatest tyranny we have ever faced. Their bravery shaped the democracy we cherish today.'
Elsewhere, Gordon Highlanders led a ceremony in Aberdeen and in Lerwick, Shetland, six historic boats arrived from Norway to commemorate fishing vessels known as the Shetland bus, which ferried refugees from the continent to safety.
Reverend Mark Johnstone and Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren led proceedings during the poignant service at Glasgow Cathedral.
Deputy first minister Kate Forbes and Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill also attended the service.
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Addressing the 200-strong congregation, Rev Johnstone said: 'As we remember the many soldiers, sailors, and airmen who gave their lives restraining evil and opposing tyranny, so we also come in thanksgiving for those who continue to strive for peace on this continent.
'We gather joyfully today, as those who gathered on that first Victory Day, glad of each other's company and grateful for the laughter and love that follows times of sadness and loss.'
After the ceremony, Mrs Forbes said: 'It's very poignant to be part of the service at Glasgow Cathedral to commemorate 80 years since victory in Europe. I was sitting there thinking my grandmother was the same age that I am today when victory in Europe was announced.
'There's something quite meaningful about that. It's an occasion that brings us all together to reflect on the past but I guess to aspire for greater peace in the future.'
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Veteran Donald Turrell, 99, fought in the fierce Normandy campaign aged just 17 after lying about his age.
The war hero recalled his 'relief' after hearing the war in Europe was over.
The former Scottish Rifles soldier said: 'I never heard a Churchill speech or anything. But I knew the war was over.
'So I met all the local lads who were in my class and those who were on leave, and we had a damned good time.'
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VE Day commemorates the anniversary of the Allied forces' formal acceptance of Nazi Germany's surrender on May 8, 1945.
It ended more than five years of brutal conflict across Europe.
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