Services to remember those lost in conflict have had to move online as a result of Covid-19
Remembrance Services are set to take place online as a result of Covid-19.
Organisers confirmed annual services of remembrance planned in Edinburgh and Glasgow have been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus restrictions.
Instead, the dedication and wreath laying service at the Gardens of Remembrance will be broadcast online for the first time.
The annual services normally attracts hundreds of spectators who stand shoulder to shoulder in the shadows of the cenotaph to pay their respects to the fallen of the First and Second World Wars, and all conflicts since. Due to the ban on outdoor events across central belt health board areas, and the risk it would pose to the public, Legion Scotland have been forced to adapt.
The service from Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh was broadcast online this morning (Monday 26 October) at 10.50am.
The event in George Square, Glasgow, will be shown on the Legion Scotland Facebook page from 10.50am tomorrow (Tuesday 27 Oct).
Dr Claire Armstrong, chief executive of Legion Scotland, said: “We are very disappointed that the opening of the Garden of Remembrance cannot proceed as planned, but we are determined to ensure that the public can still come together in remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Coronavirus must not be allowed to cancel remembrance, but public safety is paramount.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first time that we have had to adapt our plans this year. We undertook three major commemorations in the 75th anniversary of VE and VJ Days in May and August respectively, and the 80th anniversary of St Valery in June, with considerable success. The virtual programme of events reached millions and were arguably even more successful as a result of being taken online.”
The current Scottish Government guidelines on outdoor last until 2 November and further details on what will be permitted on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day are expected later this week.
Dr Armstrong continued: “While we await clarity on how new guidelines will impact on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, it is safe to say that these events, both at a national and local level, cannot proceed as they normally would. We are therefore urging all Legion Scotland branches, and other organisations who have responsibility for remembrance events in their local area, to take note of the guidelines and only to stage events that are safe and fully compliant.”
More information on the 2020 Scottish Poppy Appeal can be found online.
