A hush fell over Aberdeen’s war memorial yesterday as hundreds turned out to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday.
Armed forces veterans, reserves and cadets were joined by community groups, politicians and large public crowds to remember those killed or wounded fighting in conflicts for their country.
Workers at the neighbouring Triple Kirks development also downed tools, with builders clad in bright orange jackets taking part in the proceedings from several storeys up.
Poems were read by Lochside Academy pupils Dylan Fettes and Maksymilian Berent ahead of the service led by minister Stephen Taylor.
Following a poignant Last Post, two minutes’ silence and Piper’s Lament, wreathes were laid at the foot of the memorial, led by Lord Provost Barney Crockett.
Another poem was read, this time by Lochside pupil Ellie Harrison, and the national anthem was played.
The crowds then broke out into applause as all those serving, or who have served, marched past as they made their way to a church service at the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting.
Others stayed behind for photographs and to swap stories with old armed forces friends who had also attended the service.
Many people gathered at the church throughout the day to see a six-foot aluminium “Tommy” sculpture beside the Remembrance crosses displayed in the kirkyard.
Mr Crockett said: “These acts of commemoration are but a small way for us to remember the loss of life one hundred years ago in a ‘war to end all wars’.
“We remember all of those who have given their lives, and those who have been injured physically and mentally by conflict.”
George Fraser, who spent more than four decades in the armed forces, including 24 years in the 51st (Highland) Division, said: “I came out to pay my respects to our forebearers and the sacrifices they made.
“A couple of hours on a Sunday once a year is very little to pay for what they did, and still do, for us.”
Sue Mannifield travelled, from Cove, said: “My father served for 35 years and I had two great uncles who died in the war so I wanted to make a point of coming,” she said.
“I think it was very touching.”
