Scottish Secretary Commemorates Armed Forces at Remembrance Service: A Tribute to Our Heroes

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander commemorated the Annual Service of Remembrance in Edinburgh on Sunday, 8 November 2026, by laying a wreath on behalf of the UK Government. The ceremony took place at the Stone of Remembrance, Edinburgh City Chambers, beginning at 11am, where Mr Alexander was joined by the Edinburgh Lord Provost’s Wreath Laying Party, military personnel, veterans, and community leaders to pay tribute to the service and sacrifices of British Armed Forces members, both past and present.

Honouring Service and Sacrifice

Prior to the service, Douglas Alexander expressed the significance of Remembrance Sunday, stating, “This is a moment for the whole country to pause and remember the men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms, and to give thanks to our veterans, our serving personnel, and the families who stand behind them.” He conveyed pride in standing alongside veterans, members of the armed forces, and community leaders from across Scotland, emphasising the importance of honouring their contributions.

He further remarked on the enduring obligation owed to those who have served, a debt that can never be fully repaid, and reaffirmed the UK Government’s unwavering commitment to the armed forces, both in Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom.

Continuing the Tradition of Remembrance

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, Mr Alexander participated in a procession to St Giles’ Cathedral, accompanied by a piper from George Heriot’s School. During the special Remembrance Sunday service, he delivered a reading of Psalm 120, titled ‘A Song of Ascents,’ before attending a reception at Edinburgh City Chambers.

In Glasgow, John Grady MP, serving as Parliamentary Private Secretary to HM Treasury, also laid a wreath on behalf of the UK Government at the Remembrance Sunday service held in George Square.

National Commemoration in London

Meanwhile, the National Service of Remembrance took place at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, where it was attended by the Prime Minister, senior Cabinet members, and various political leaders, reflecting the nation’s collective remembrance of those who served and sacrificed for the country.