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Welcome

The Scottish National War Memorial is Scotland’s place of remembrance for the First World War up until the present day.

Visiting the Memorial

The Memorial sits within Edinburgh Castle and is open daily. Entry is free for “Memorial only” visits. Please note the castle is very busy during the summer months and if you require a “Memorial only” visit we would strongly suggest you email to book your visit in advance. For visits to the Memorial only, please request a visit by writing to ticketing@hes.scot. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) also recommend avoiding 1230-1330 when the castle is at it’s busiest daily.

Please check our social media on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on any temporary closures. 

Please note the Memorial will be closed for part of the day for services on the following dates in 2026 - 

Saturday 25th April

Friday 5th June

Sunday 6th September - late opening at 10am

Monday 7th September - early closure at 4pm

Tuesday 8th September - late opening at 11am

Sunday 1st November

Wednesday 11th November

 

 

 

 

 

 

Search the Roll of Honour

You can search our online Rolls of Honour for free here and looks for names listed. Please note we only hold basic information on casualties such as date of death, location etc. You can also order certificates commemorating a casualty (small fee applies to cover costs.

About us

The Scottish National War Memorial is run by a small charitable trust and relies heavily upon public donations. The Board of Trustees are extremely grateful for the support of Historic Environment Scotland in maintaining and looking after the building.

Latest news

National Apprentice Week 2025

Feb 13: We were delighted to be involved in the production of a film to mark National Apprentice Week

The Korean War - The Story of Cpl James Ritchie Cron by Dave Williamson

Jan 31: The story of Cpl James Cron, casualty of The Korean War written by his cousin Dave Wiliamson

Service held to mark the 1st Anniversary of the Invasion of Ukraine

Jun 19: On Friday 24th February 2023 the Memorial was honored to host the Ukrainian Community for a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 1st Anniversary of the Russian invasion.

95th Annual Service of Commemoration

Jun 19: The 95th Annual Service of Commemoration was held at the Scottish National War Memorial on Tuesday 6th June 2023

Our Instagram posts

Welcome to our new followers! We're delighted to have you here. Follow along for updates and info about our beautiful memorial. Here is the stunning depiction of Please note the Memorial will be temporarily closed on the below dates: Sunday 6th September - late opening at 10am Monday 7th September - early closure at 4pm Tuesday 8th September - late opening at 11amWe were honoured to be guests at this year's @edinburghtattoo this week. It was a fantastic performance! The Scottish National War Memorial is one of the military charities financially supported by the Tattoo, and we much appreciate their generosity.We are very excited to announce our forthcoming exhibition in conjunction with the National War Museum! The exhibition will be entitled The 98th Annual Service of Commemoration was held at the Memorial today, marking the anniversary of its opening. We were delighted to be joined by many guests including three of our Heralds. In a difficult week for our Armed Forces, our service personnel past and present were very much in our thoughts. #lestweforgetThe Memorial will be temporarily closed on the morning of Friday 5th June for a private service. It will reopen at approximately 1300.An excellent opportunity to see some great live music for free, and raise funds for military charities.They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember themThe Chief Executive and the Keeper of the Rolls laid the wreath on behalf of The Scottish National War Memorial at today's National Service in Edinburgh Image credit Mark OwensIn Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.As well as being the season of Remembrance it's also Trustees Week - a week to showcase the work of charity trustees. The Memorial is an independent charity that exists solely upon public donations and charitable grants. A Board of Trustees is entrusted with the management of the Memorial and they employ a Chief Executive who looks after the running of the Memorial on a daily basis. We are very grateful to the Board of Trustees for their continued support in preserving the Memorial for the next generation. #lestweforget #trusteesweekThis Remembrance season you can order commemorative certificates, roll of honour extracts and other items from our online shop. All profits made go towards supporting the Memorial. https://www.snwm.org/shop/Please note the Scottish National War Memorial will be temporarily closed from 1030am-1115am on Sunday 2nd NovemberEven over 100 years later we are still adding casualties to the Rolls of Honour in the Memorial. Sometimes as a result of people researching their family history or perhaps their local war memorial. Regular SNWM correspondent Pat Anderson of Forfar sent us a file for consideration for Gunner Alex Cargill, killed in action in 1916. Shown in the photos is an extract from Very pleased to be part of such a special day at Dunfermline War Memorial Rededication today. HRH The Princess Royal joined us for it. Great to see so many young people from local schools and youth groups there too. #wewillrememberthem #remembrance #lestweforget #fifecouncilMore exciting things happening yesterday Today marks the 10th anniversary of Merchant Navy Day. The Rolls of Honour at the Scottish National War Memorial contain the names of 6,378 Scottish seafarers who lost their lives in both world wars. Apprentice James Reid Carr, was one of them. He was only 20 years old when he was killed on 21st September 1940. His ship SS BARON BLYTHSWOOD in convoy HX-72 was hit amidships by one torpedo from U-99. She sank within 40 seconds. The master, 33 crew members and one gunner were lost in the freezing waters south of Iceland. Today approximately 95% of all goods imported to and from the UK travel by sea. Today is an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices made by merchant seafarers in keeping world trade moving.Fantastic to be a guest at the #edinburghtattoo last night as one of their charity partners. A brilliant performance by the cast and team, thank you for a wonderful evening.Please note the Memorial will be temporarily closed on the morning of Friday 15th August as we commemorate VJDay 80 and will reopen at approx 1330.Truly a pleasure to meet Mary Forbes and her Grandaughter Aimee (pictured) today and show them around the Memorial. They brought with them a letter from the front line written by Commanding Officer of Mary's husband's Great Uncle - Pte George Fairholm Forbes. George was killed in WWI and he is listed in our Rolls of Honour. The very moving letter from his CO reads: Exciting day yesterday at the Memorial as we kicked off our film project in conjunction with @morayhouseuoe and Dr Paul Hamilton @_paulhamilton. Huge thanks to Lochgelly High School and @edinburghtrinityseacadets @seacadetsleith for coming along to support us! The project is supported financially by The MacRobert Trust and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo @edinburghtattoo and we are extremely grateful to them for their assistance.
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