A special ceremony marking 100 years since the outbreak of World War I was held in Aberdeen yesterday as a series of commemorative benches were installed throughout the city.
Lord Provost George Adam was joined by members of the British Legion at the Bridge of Don war memorial, on Balgownie Road, to oversee the positioning of one of six benches.
This was followed by a ceremony headed by the veteran’s organisation paying tribute to the men of Aberdeen who lost their lives during the four year conflict.
Poignant images have been crafted into the black wrought iron bench, including the silhouettes of World War I soldiers and five blossoming red poppies.
It was placed directly beside the wreath-laden granite memorial pillar, which commemorates the dead of both World Wars and one soldier from the Korean War.
Similar commemorative benches have been set up in Dyce (2), Bucksburn and Culter’s war memorials, as well as the Queen’s Den poppy field.
Mr Adam said: “The people of Bridge of Don show great pride in their war memorial and this new addition will allow people to come and sit for a moment of quiet contemplation as they pay their respects.”
Stephen Bly, a city council woodlands community ranger, said it had been “an honour” to be involved with the installation of the commemorative benches.
He added: “Not only do they tell a story in their design but they will allow future generations to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who serve in the armed forces today.”
The Lord Provost, joined by members of the Armed Forces, also observed the two minute silence held at the city’s Cowdray Hall on Remembrance Sunday earlier this month.
The city council’s HQ at Marischal College had been lit up red overnight from November 10 to 11 in commemoration of the servicemen who died in UK conflicts throughout the years.