Online commemoration and celebration of VE Day in Scotland

Dr Claire Armstrong, chief executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It is vital that the generation who sacrificed so much is commemorated and celebrated today. Together with Poppyscotland and the Scottish Government, we have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to adapt the plans for the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

“While the current restrictions has forced us to postpone the planned programme of formal events in Edinburgh, we believe the new ‘virtual’ programme is equally exciting and will bring the nation together in a truly unique way, while keeping everyone safe at the same time.”

At 8am, active military personnel at bases across Scotland will lead a collective salute, along with members of Legion Scotland, cadets and members of the public who are encouraged to salute from their doorsteps. Participants can also post photos and videos using the hashtags  #VEDay75 and #HeroesOfWW2.

At 10.39am, Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will broadcast a live virtual service on their Facebook pages. This will be led by national padre Karen Campbell and includes a two-minute silence.

Sir Alistair Irwin, president of Legion Scotland, will give a reading of Binyon’s Lines and a wreath will be laid at the Stone of Remembrance in Edinburgh.

Legion Scotland chairman Martyn Hawthorn will recite the Kohima Epitaph and Amy Hawthorn will sing a hymn along with the Choir of Marchmont at St Giles’.

At noon, a further broadcast will be presented on the same Facebook pages. This will be an hour-long virtual concert featuring many of the performers who had originally been booked to perform at a now-cancelled, free concert in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens.

In the afternoon, households are encouraged to host virtual VE Day parties using video calling.

BBC One will show several commemorative programmes, including Winston Churchill’s victory speech at 2.45pm, while at 8pm, an hour-long programme, called VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration, will feature personal accounts of the experiences of veterans along with contributions from a variety of presenters.

At 9pm, The Queen will give an address to the nation at the exact time her father did 75 years ago.

Dr Armstrong continued: “On VE Day, it is both a time to reflect and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War and celebrate the moment that victory in Europe was finally achieved after six long years of war. We hope everyone in Scotland can find a way to get involved in the programme of activities today.

“It is also important to remember that while VE Day was cause for celebration, the war in the Far East continued for many months. That is why we are also working on plans to ensure the 75th anniversary of VJ Day in August also receives due recognition.”