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News and Events

Each year a number of events are held at the Scottish National War Memorial. Many of these are organised in co-operation with Veterans' Associations. The Memorial is small, but there are usually some seats available to members of the public and if you would like to enquire about the availability of these seats, or if you would like to discuss or arrange a special tribute, please contact the Secretary to the Memorial. Find out more about our annual events here.

Remember that you are most welcome to visit the Memorial at any time during normal castle opening hours.

Scotland's Merchant Navy Memorial

Posted on June 10 2023 at 15:55

Historically, Scotland has always had a very strong relationship with the sea. However the sacrifices made by Scotland’s merchant seamen during both World Wars have not always been as recognised as they could have been. Their names are recorded in the Rolls of Honour at the Scottish National War Memorial, but until a few years ago there was no dedicated memorial to the 6,500 Scottish seafarers lost in conflict.

That was until 2008. That year, whilst attending the Remembrance Sunday Service and parade at the Cenotaph, Professor Gordon S Milne, OBE, decided that Scotland should have its own Memorial to the Merchant Navy. In 2009 he founded “The Merchant Navy Memorial Trust Scotland”, with the sole aim to fundraise and build a memorial to those lost at sea. Its mission “to commemorate the sacrifice of Scottish Merchant Navy personnel in the two world wars, other previous and subsequent theatres of conflict, and in peacetime service along the trading routes of the world”. The initial goal was to raise the estimated building costs of £150,000 by public donation to create the memorial. HRH The Princess Royal graciously agreed to become Patron of the Trust. The fundraising target was surpassed within twelve months and successfully raised over £180,000. The work was completed by early November 2010.

On 16th November 2010 HRH The Princess Royal attended the Service of Dedication and the Memorial was unveiled. It is located at the old inner harbour of Leith, the port of Edinburgh for over 700 years. Throughout the year the Memorial is visited by many people from around the world, a testament to the bravery and sacrifices made by Scotland’s merchant seafarers.

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"Flag Ladies" make a welcome return to the SNWM

Posted on January 19 2023 at 16:19

Flag ladies pictured with the flagsThis week we were delighted to welcome our "flag ladies" back to the Memorial after a long break during COVID.

Rita, Ros and Jane Beth are volunteers from The Embroiderers' Guild who give up some of their spare time to look after the beautiful colours that hang in the Memorial. Some of the colours are extremely fragile due to their age.

Rita, Ros and Jane Beth spend their time cleaning, polishing and repairing the flags during the winter months. The flags are then put back on display in the Memorial.

We are very pleased to have our ladies back again with sincere thanks for all their hard work!

Tags: Edinburgh Remembrance Scottish National War Memorial Edinburgh Castle
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Remembrance Sunday & Armistice Day 2022

Posted on November 11 2022 at 16:05

Services were held at the Scottish National War Memorial on Armistice Day and at the Stone of Remembrance in Edinburgh on Remembrance Sunday.

Remembrance Sunday & Armistice Day 2022

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, as well as veterans, and military personnel to pay tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday (SUNDAY 13th). Hundreds gathered on the Royal Mile near the Stone of Remembrance at the City Chambers remember all those who gave their lives in conflicts over the years The RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums led a parade from Edinburgh Castle to the City Chambers, followed by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Sc
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, as well as veterans, and military personnel to pay tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday (SUNDAY 13th). Hundreds gathered on the Royal Mile near the Stone of Remembrance at the City Chambers remember all those who gave their lives in conflicts over the years The RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums led a parade from Edinburgh Castle to the City Chambers, followed by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Sc
A poignant Remembrance Service for the Armed Forces has taken place at the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle. Personnel from the Royal Navy - the Army and Royal Air Force gathered along with a small number of guests. The MOD was represented by Baroness Goldie. Photographer: Corporal Nathan Tanuku ©MoD Crown Copyright 2022

BBC Scotland broadcast live from the Armistice Day Service on their “Lunchtime Live” show with live interviews with the Governor of Edinburgh Castle Major General Alastair Bruce and Air Officer Scotland AVM Ross Paterson.

The Governor of Edinburgh Castle is also a Trustee of the Scottish National War Memorial. The Chief Executive was attending the national service at the National Memorial Arboretum on Armistice Day. The First Minister of Scotland attended the Remembrance Sunday service in Edinburgh.

Annual Commemoration Service

Posted on October 6 2022 at 16:05

The 95th Annual Service of Commemoration was held at the Scottish National War Memorial on Thursday 6th October.

Annual Commemoration Service

Lord Lyon was in attendance along with representatives from the RN, Army and RAF. Deputy First Minister Mr John Swinney also attended from First Minister’s Office with Lord Offord of Garvel representing the Scottish Government.

Visit of the Lord High Commissioner

Posted on May 25 2022 at 16:04

The Chief Executive and Trustees of the Memorial were delighted to host The Lord High Commissioner Lord Patrick Hodge and Lady Hodge for a visit on 25th May during General Assembly Week.

LHC visit

The Governor of Edinburgh Castle Major-General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE VR DL also accompanied them on the tour.

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On Saturday evening the Chief Executive was honoured to attend the inaugural Scottish Festival of Remembrance at the Usher Hall. It was a superb evening paying tribute to our Armed Forces, past and present, and our civilian services too. #lestweforget #legionscotland #poppyscotlandMrs Penny Loudon, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Scottish National War Memorial, laid our wreath yesterday at the National Remembrance service in Edinburgh#lestweforgetFor the Fallen By Laurence Binyon With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free. Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres, There is music in the midst of desolation And a glory that shines upon our tears. They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted; They fell with their faces to the foe. 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 them. They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; They sit no more at familiar tables of home; They have no lot in our labour of the day-time; They sleep beyond England's foam. But where our desires are and our hopes profound, Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight, To the innermost heart of their own land they are known As the stars are known to the Night; As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain; As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, To the end, to the end, they remain.One of our most precious recent donations to the Memorial is this letter from the battlefields of WWI. It was written to the mother of Pte George Fairholm Forbes, who was killed in action in France. It reads: Please note the Memorial will open at the later time of 1130am on Sunday 1st November. This is due to a private event. Thank youPlease note the Memorial will open at the later time of 11am on Saturday 24th October. This is due to a private event.Thank youWhy do we remember? Next week on Thursday 29th October we are hosting a special event to launch our new free resource aimed at schools and young people. Timed to coincide with the approach to Remembrance Sunday we invite you to come along for an informative and thought-provoking evening at Moray House School of Education at The University of Edinburgh. Tickets to this free event can be booked here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/why-do-we-remember-scottish-national-war-memorial-resource-launch-tickets-2002197863708?aff=oddtdtcreator We are grateful to acknowledge the help of the @edinburghtattoo and The MacRobert Trust in financially supporting this project.An absolute pleasure to welcome the HMS Spartan Association to the Memorial today for their annual service of Remembrance 🫡On Merchant Navy Day we are sharing some of the Merchant Navy images within the Memorial. The merchant fleet sustained huge losses in both World Wars. #LestWeForget #MerchantNavyDay2026Welcome 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 11am Thursday 10th September - early closure at 4pmWe 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.
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