Aberdonians have been told they will have to stay away from the city’s Remembrance Sunday events this year.
The council has announced it will forego the normal parade to Remembrance Hall at Aberdeen Art Gallery in light of the pandemic.
Attendance at the “scaled down” service on Sunday, November 8, will be restricted, with only the Lord Provost, select armed forces representatives and council group leaders to be there.
For invited guests only, the council has “respectfully asked” the public not to attend the 20-minute service.
People wishing to make individual tributes at the war memorial, outside the art gallery, are also being encouraged to observe physical distancing rules.
The newly-refurbished venue will be closed for the service to allow time for cleaning afterwards before the public is allowed back in.
Most poppy wreaths will be laid ahead of the small gathering, with only Lord Provost Barney Crockett to lay one, on behalf of Aberdeen citizens, during the service.
Wreaths laid will remain in the Remembrance Hall for several weeks, where they will be available to be viewed by the public, in line with gallery opening hours and coronavirus guidance.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett said: “These are very challenging times we are living in right now and I think it is especially important that we have an opportunity to pause and reflect.
“Aberdeen has a proud history of support for our armed forces and the act of remembrance allows us to mark the sacrifices made by so many during times of conflict.
“It is also a time to remember those who have been injured physically and mentally by conflict.
“I am pleased we will be able to hold a special service in the Remembrance Hall although it is unfortunate we cannot invite members of the public to attend due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“At least at 11am, we can come together in quiet contemplation to reflect and show our respect and admiration for the bravery and courage of our servicemen and women past and present.”
