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Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
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. Advertisement 6 Scotland commemorated VE Day today with remembrance services and special events Credit: Wattie Cheung 6 Travellers and staff stopped to observe a two-minute silence at Glasgow Queen Street Credit: Wattie Cheung 6 At the Scottish Parliament politicians paid their respects Credit: Alamy 6 Deputy first minister Kate Forbes attended a service of remembrance at Glasgow Cathedral Credit: Wattie Cheung 6 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. Advertisement 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.' Advertisement 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.' Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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.' Advertisement 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.' Advertisement 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.
Glasgow Times
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow residents ask Celtic to urge fans against 'disruption'
The team is expected to win the Scottish Premiership in the coming weeks with an unofficial title party for fans likely to take place in the Trongate area on Saturday, May 17. Similar events have taken place since 2022 with 25,000 Celtic supporters gathering in Merchant City last May bringing the area to a standstill. READ NEXT: Plea for 'respect' as no plans in place for expected football celebrations (Image: Wattie Cheung) Now, Calton and Merchant City and Trongate community councils have written to Hoops CEO Michael Nicholson saying while they understand fans want to celebrate the occasion, at the end of the last two football seasons they have "created havoc for people, businesses and visitors in and around Glasgow Cross". They said: "This part of the city centre was turned into a 'No Go' area with widespread damage to public and private property and people left terrified. "The trail of urine, faeces, vomit, graffiti and refuse was widespread. "Emergency vehicles and other traffic were unable to get through the throng." Residents say while the club has brought "great esteem" to Scottish football and the city of Glasgow, scenes in 2023 and 2024 had been "disgraceful and totally unacceptable". Their letter to Mr Nicholson continued: "We urge you to issue a public statement firmly instructing Celtic fans not to indulge in similar disruption and anti-social behaviour as this football season draws to a close. "The reputation of Celtic Football Club - and of the city of Glasgow - is again at stake." READ NEXT: Private talks take place ahead of Scottish Premiership win celebration in Glasgow (Image: Newsquest) The Glasgow Times previously reported that at a high stakes a meeting in Hampden Park on Friday, March 28, MSP Kaukab Stewart brought together community councils for Merchant City, Trongate and Calton and representatives for Celtic FC, Rangers FC, the SPFL, Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council in a bid to avoid the 'disruption' seen in previous years. Residents were given the opportunity to tell clubs about their experience of anti-social behaviour from unofficial parties in Trongate and George Square, which have seen thousands of pounds worth of damage caused. However, despite agreements "more should be done" to encourage fans not to gather in the city centre, no plans were put forward ahead of this year's expected gathering. A spokesperson for the community councils said of the meeting: "We applaud the MSP for bringing all sides together at such a senior level. "Many statements of good intent were uttered but so were reasons why nothing could be done." READ NEXT: Clean-up cost revealed after Celtic fans' title celebration in Merchant City (Image: Wattie Cheung) Last year, four police officers were injured during the gathering and 19 arrests were made in connection with disorder-related offences and the use of pyrotechnics. The Glasgow Times exclusively revealed last month that the entire cost of the clean-up for last years gathering is expected to cost the council £100,402.81. The council said they are forking out £73,032 to repair Mercat Cross while specialist crews will also be brought in to tidy up the structure and remove graffiti for £1656.96. Staff time on clear-up, as well as waste disposal, traffic light repairs, emergency road closures and other jobs, set the council back just over £25,000. A spokesperson also revealed that over seven tonnes of waste was collected from the area, the equivalent of 25 wheelie bins. Celtic FC have been contacted for comment.
