Each year, in partnership with Poppyscotland, Legion Scotland and its branches invite members of the public to visit and reflect at three Gardens of Remembrance. Earlier in October, the gates opened to each of these gardens.

Inverness

The first of the gardens to open was that in Inverness. Located in Cavell Gardens, the tribute to fallen servicepeople has been welcoming visitors since 18 October. It features hundreds of poppy crosses, alongside other symbols of Remembrance, creating a space for people to come together and show solidarity with the Armed Forces and Veterans communities.

Edinburgh

On 21 October, a dedication service was held for Edinburgh’s Garden of Remembrance. During this time, wreaths were laid by the city’s Lord Provost, Robert Alrdidge, Housing Minister Paul McLennan, as well as a representatives of the Armed Forces, service charities and veterans’ associations.

Found in Princes Street Gardens, the garden is formed of thousands of Remembrance symbols, many of which come from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory. Poppy-maker John Mitchell is part of the team that constructs the garden by the Scott Monument each year. He told Legion Scotland ahead of last year’s event, “It feels very worthy. We go up there on the Friday and the foreman marks and measures [the garden] out. We put the huts up and then we go up again on the Monday and we put all the gravestones out, the crosses and so on.”

Speaking about the 2023 event Major General Alastair Bruce, the governor of Edinburgh Castle, added, “It is poignant to hear the trams and buses rumble past and countless frantic tourists mingle with Edinburgh’s shoppers, while we hallow a corner of Prince’s Street Gardens to the Scots that fell in battle, for this very ‘normality’.

“Laying the Army’s wreath, I felt the responsibility of remembering every Scottish soldier and the duty to be ready to defend the freedom that they gave us the liberty to take for granted.”

Glasgow

The day after the Edinburgh dedication service, a similar ceremony took place in Glasgow’s George Square. The city’s Lord Provost was joined by representatives from the Armed Forces and Veterans communities to honour the fallen ahead of the garden opening to the public.

Like all the gardens, we deliberately open this area of Glasgow a few weeks ahead of Remembrance to give people the time they need to engage with the event and help to raise awareness of Remembrance.

The gardens are an important way of connecting communities back with the cause of Remembrance. As Garrison Sergeant Major Ruaridh Tuach explained, “This time of year is extremely sad for serving personnel, veterans and families. The opening of the gardens allows our people somewhere to come and reflect on those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“This is just one of the many great events that Poppy Scotland and The Royal British Legion Scotland put on to help our personnel and their families. I am very grateful to all the staff and volunteers that support these amazing organisations.”