Garden of Remembrance now open in Princes Street Gardens

The Rt Hon Lord Provost of the city of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, led a special group of wreath-layers at the annual opening ceremony of the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance, next to the Scott Monument, in East Princes Street Gardens.

Members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, attended the event which is organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, to remember those who have died with more than 40 wreaths laid at a service which was also attended by members of the public.

Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Padre of the Royal British Legion Scotland led the service, along with attendees from The Scottish Government including Minister for Higher and Further Education, Ben Macpherson MSP, Police Scotland and other dignitaries.

Music was provided by The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as well as piper Eddie Molyneux from George Heriot’s School who led the wreath-layers into the garden.

Legion Scotland Events Manager, Brian Ward, said: “This was a wonderful occasion which was very well attended by representatives of the Armed Forces and other dignitaries from across our capital city and of course Scotland.

“The lovely weather certainly helped to draw out the crowds with so many people turning out, as well as the many passers-by who stopped to reflect and pay their respects to our fallen.”

The Garden has thousands of poppy crosses and other remembrance symbols with personal dedications from all over Scotland. It will remain open until the Armistice Day service on 11 November for visitors to pay their own tributes.

The opening event coincided with the launch of this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal on the same day. Read more here.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than two million poppies already being distributed around the country. All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing life-changing support and advice to veterans, servicemen and women, and their families.

People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at www.poppyscotland.org.uk