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
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.
"Flag Ladies" make a welcome return to the SNWM
This 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!
Remembrance Sunday & Armistice Day 2022
Services were held at the Scottish National War Memorial on Armistice Day and at the Stone of Remembrance in Edinburgh on Remembrance Sunday.
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
The 95th Annual Service of Commemoration was held at the Scottish National War Memorial on Thursday 6th October.
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
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.
The Governor of Edinburgh Castle Major-General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE VR DL also accompanied them on the tour.
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