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Edinburgh Reporter
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
VE80 Concert begins commemorations
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 on Tuesday 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. First Minister John Swinney attended, 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. 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 compère. 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. '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.' Veteran Charles Horne (99) of Port Seton was Royal Naval patrol service with left Lance Corporal Adam Peers and right Bugler Aaron Hall of His Majesty the Kings Royal Marines Dancers entertained the packed crowd at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh Drum Corps from His Majesty's Royal Marines perform at VE80 Crowds reacted with delighted as the Bands took to the stage Harry Courtney (74) from Kelty and Derek Lambert (60) of Ballingray – Royal Signals veterans Band Scot's girls Holly Eggleton, Maddy Lyons and Erin Gunn Like this: Like Related
STV News
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Veterans and families to attend VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations
Second World War veterans will be among those attending a special concert for Scotland's national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Scotland's Salute: VE80 concert takes place on Tuesday evening at Edinburgh's Usher Hall, two days ahead of the anniversary of VE Day on May 8, which marked the end of the the war in Europe. Charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will host an evening of music from a number of performers, which will be enjoyed by former members of the forces and their families. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney will also be among those at the event which will feature first-hand testimony from surviving Scottish VE-Day veterans on the big screen. Music will include performances from Fife singer songwriter Cammy Barnes, who will join the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Scotland and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and from singer Amy Hawthorn, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra violinist Iona McDonald, and Scottish actor Nicholas Ralph. Among those in the audience will be Cath Drummond, who was told her husband of 10 months was missing and presumed dead on August 25 1944, following a plane crash. As well as losing the man she loved, she was eight months pregnant and faced a life as a single mother. She said: 'I remember that telegram arriving like it was yesterday. I screamed the place down. 'I was absolutely heartbroken and didn't see how I would get through it. It was a real sense of fear raising a child alone, with no money or help.' In 1944, aged 18, George MacLeod was called up to the King's Own Scottish Borderers 52nd Division, 4th Battalion. He spent the majority of his service in Germany as a driver but recalls a harrowing experience in Ireland. Mr MacLeod, of Edinburgh, said: 'I remember at one point being in Ireland and we had to put on a white uniform and go and lie in the snow, but they forgot about us and we nearly froze to death. I had to go to hospital as I had frostbite.' Margaret Landels signed up to the Royal Navy at 18 years old after walking along George Street in Edinburgh, where she saw a We Need You recruitment poster. She was later posted to Lowestoft in Suffolk, where she was a leading Wren within the Post Office for two years. On VE Day, 1945, She remembered hearing that the war had ended on VE Day 1945, celebrating with her peers upon hearing the news. She said: 'Some people had a band, and we had a dance along South Queensferry.' Speaking in the days before the concert Mr Swinney paid tribute to previous generations for their sacrifices. He previously said: 'We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who served our country throughout the Second World War, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'Were it not for the actions of the brave men and women who helped to liberate Europe 80 years ago, we might not enjoy the freedoms we take for granted today. 'This week and always, we remember them with pride and offer our heartfelt thanks.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Independent
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Veterans and families to attend VEDay 80th anniversary commemorations
Second World War veterans will be among those attending a special concert for Scotland's national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Scotland's Salute: VE80 concert takes place on Tuesday evening at Edinburgh's Usher Hall, two days ahead of the anniversary of VE Day on May 8, which marked the end of the the war in Europe. Charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will host an evening of music from a number of performers, which will be enjoyed by former members of the forces and their families. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney will also be among those at the event which will feature first-hand testimony from surviving Scottish VE-Day veterans on the big screen. Music will include performances from Fife singer songwriter Cammy Barnes, who will join the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Scotland and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and from singer Amy Hawthorn, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra violinist Iona McDonald, and Scottish actor Nicholas Ralph. Among those in the audience will be Cath Drummond, who was told her husband of 10 months was missing and presumed dead on August 25 1944, following a plane crash. As well as losing the man she loved, she was eight months pregnant and faced a life as a single mother. She said: 'I remember that telegram arriving like it was yesterday. I screamed the place down. 'I was absolutely heartbroken and didn't see how I would get through it. It was a real sense of fear raising a child alone, with no money or help.' In 1944, aged 18, George MacLeod was called up to the King's Own Scottish Borderers 52nd Division, 4th Battalion. He spent the majority of his service in Germany as a driver but recalls a harrowing experience in Ireland. Mr MacLeod, of Edinburgh, said: 'I remember at one point being in Ireland and we had to put on a white uniform and go and lie in the snow, but they forgot about us and we nearly froze to death. I had to go to hospital as I had frostbite.' Margaret Landels signed up to the Royal Navy at 18 years old after walking along George Street in Edinburgh, where she saw a We Need You recruitment poster. She was later posted to Lowestoft in Suffolk, where she was a leading Wren within the Post Office for two years. On VE Day, 1945, She remembered hearing that the war had ended on VE Day 1945, celebrating with her peers upon hearing the news. She said: 'Some people had a band, and we had a dance along South Queensferry.' Speaking in the days before the concert Mr Swinney paid tribute to previous generations for their sacrifices. He previously said: 'We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who served our country throughout the Second World War, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'Were it not for the actions of the brave men and women who helped to liberate Europe 80 years ago, we might not enjoy the freedoms we take for granted today. 'This week and always, we remember them with pride and offer our heartfelt thanks.'
Powys County Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Veterans and families to attend VEDay 80th anniversary commemorations
Second World War veterans will be among those attending a special concert for Scotland's national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Scotland's Salute: VE80 concert takes place on Tuesday evening at Edinburgh's Usher Hall, two days ahead of the anniversary of VE Day on May 8, which marked the end of the the war in Europe. Charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will host an evening of music from a number of performers, which will be enjoyed by former members of the forces and their families. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney will also be among those at the event which will feature first-hand testimony from surviving Scottish VE-Day veterans on the big screen. Music will include performances from Fife singer songwriter Cammy Barnes, who will join the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Scotland and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and from singer Amy Hawthorn, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra violinist Iona McDonald, and Scottish actor Nicholas Ralph. Among those in the audience will be Cath Drummond, who was told her husband of 10 months was missing and presumed dead on August 25 1944, following a plane crash. As well as losing the man she loved, she was eight months pregnant and faced a life as a single mother. She said: 'I remember that telegram arriving like it was yesterday. I screamed the place down. 'I was absolutely heartbroken and didn't see how I would get through it. It was a real sense of fear raising a child alone, with no money or help.' In 1944, aged 18, George MacLeod was called up to the King's Own Scottish Borderers 52nd Division, 4th Battalion. He spent the majority of his service in Germany as a driver but recalls a harrowing experience in Ireland. Mr MacLeod, of Edinburgh, said: 'I remember at one point being in Ireland and we had to put on a white uniform and go and lie in the snow, but they forgot about us and we nearly froze to death. I had to go to hospital as I had frostbite.' Margaret Landels signed up to the Royal Navy at 18 years old after walking along George Street in Edinburgh, where she saw a We Need You recruitment poster. She was later posted to Lowestoft in Suffolk, where she was a leading Wren within the Post Office for two years. On VE Day, 1945, She remembered hearing that the war had ended on VE Day 1945, celebrating with her peers upon hearing the news. She said: 'Some people had a band, and we had a dance along South Queensferry.' Speaking in the days before the concert Mr Swinney paid tribute to previous generations for their sacrifices. He previously said: 'We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who served our country throughout the Second World War, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'Were it not for the actions of the brave men and women who helped to liberate Europe 80 years ago, we might not enjoy the freedoms we take for granted today. 'This week and always, we remember them with pride and offer our heartfelt thanks.'
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Veterans and families to attend VEDay 80th anniversary commemorations
Second World War veterans will be among those attending a special concert for Scotland's national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Scotland's Salute: VE80 concert takes place on Tuesday evening at Edinburgh's Usher Hall, two days ahead of the anniversary of VE Day on May 8, which marked the end of the the war in Europe. Charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will host an evening of music from a number of performers, which will be enjoyed by former members of the forces and their families. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney will also be among those at the event which will feature first-hand testimony from surviving Scottish VE-Day veterans on the big screen. Music will include performances from Fife singer songwriter Cammy Barnes, who will join the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Scotland and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and from singer Amy Hawthorn, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra violinist Iona McDonald, and Scottish actor Nicholas Ralph. Among those in the audience will be Cath Drummond, who was told her husband of 10 months was missing and presumed dead on August 25 1944, following a plane crash. As well as losing the man she loved, she was eight months pregnant and faced a life as a single mother. She said: 'I remember that telegram arriving like it was yesterday. I screamed the place down. 'I was absolutely heartbroken and didn't see how I would get through it. It was a real sense of fear raising a child alone, with no money or help.' In 1944, aged 18, George MacLeod was called up to the King's Own Scottish Borderers 52nd Division, 4th Battalion. He spent the majority of his service in Germany as a driver but recalls a harrowing experience in Ireland. Mr MacLeod, of Edinburgh, said: 'I remember at one point being in Ireland and we had to put on a white uniform and go and lie in the snow, but they forgot about us and we nearly froze to death. I had to go to hospital as I had frostbite.' Margaret Landels signed up to the Royal Navy at 18 years old after walking along George Street in Edinburgh, where she saw a We Need You recruitment poster. She was later posted to Lowestoft in Suffolk, where she was a leading Wren within the Post Office for two years. On VE Day, 1945, She remembered hearing that the war had ended on VE Day 1945, celebrating with her peers upon hearing the news. She said: 'Some people had a band, and we had a dance along South Queensferry.' Speaking in the days before the concert Mr Swinney paid tribute to previous generations for their sacrifices. He previously said: 'We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who served our country throughout the Second World War, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'Were it not for the actions of the brave men and women who helped to liberate Europe 80 years ago, we might not enjoy the freedoms we take for granted today. 'This week and always, we remember them with pride and offer our heartfelt thanks.'
