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The Courier
09-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
IN PICTURES: Angus falls silent for VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations
Today's generation led Forfar's tribute to its heroes of the past as the town stood silent on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Pupils from seven local schools were at the heart of the largest Angus commemoration of Germany's surrender in May 1945. In the early evening calm at The Cross in Forfar town centre, they solemnly laid 116 poppies – one for each name on the town's Second World War honour roll. The Forfar branch of Legion Scotland organised the event. A piper led the pupils from Whitehills, Tealing, Strathmartine, Letham, Langlands and Strathmore primaries and Forfar Academy down East High Street to Town and County Hall. Air and Army Cadets formed an honour guard around the youngsters. Then, one by one, the names of the 115 men and one woman who lost their lives were read out as the children stepped forward to lay a poppy in remembrance. Legion Padre the Rev. Maggie Hunt led the short service as veterans' families and a large crowd took in the poignant event. Dignitaries included Forfar Legion president Charlie Brown and Angus Council Veterans Champion, retired Black Watch Major Ronnie Proctor. Meanwhile, Carnoustie cenotaph was the setting for a ceremony staged by the town Legion. The Rev. Annette Gordon led the act of remembrance with a reading and prayers for the fallen. Wreaths were laid by the Lord Lieutenant of Angus Pat Sawers and Carnoustie Legion branch chairman, Group Captain (rtrd) Davie Paton. Piper Willie Whyte and bugler Kirstina Fairweather played at the ceremony. And in Arbroath, the VE Day commemoration took place at the Western Cemetery. It was organised by former Royal Marine George Kennedy, with Colonel Ian Ballantyne conducting the short service.
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 Herald Scotland
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish veterans to attend VEDay 80th anniversary commemorations
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. Cath Drummond (Image: Poppyscotland/PA Wire) 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. READ MORE: 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.'
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.'
