A parade of more than 500 serving personnel marched through a Moray town centre yesterday to mark Remembrance Sunday a week early.
Troops from Kinloss Barracks are due to leave Scotland for duties in Kenya, South Sudan and the Falkland Islands before Armistice Day.
Instead of missing the opportunity to pay tribute to the fallen, commanders at the base took the decision to move forward the Forres parade.
Representatives from RAF Lossiemouth, air cadets and army cadets joined in the march to the war memorial from the town centre.
Troops stood to attention outside St Leonard’s Church with poppies attached to their caps before being accompanied to the banks of the Mosset Burn by a Scots Guards brass band.
Hundreds of residents lined the streets to pay their respects with poppy displays prominent in shop windows.
Heavy rain fell on the congregation at the war memorial as they were led in prayer by regiment padre Seoras MacKenzie.
He said: “We remember people who have laid down their lives in service of Queen and country and in service for each and every one of us gathered here today, so we may have freedom.”
Nobody left the banks of the burn for shelter as the weather worsened while silent tributes were paid. Young and old shared in a moment of remembrance while some wiped away tears.
Lt Col Jim Webster, commanding officer of 39 Engineer Regiment, recited the poem “For the Fallen”, before a lone bugler played The Last Post.
Banners which had been proudly displayed on the march to the war memorial were lowered as a mark of respect.
The Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Grenville Johnston, placed the first wreath at the foot of the monument before others followed his example as sun began to break through the clouds.
Children from the Scouts and Brownies saluted the names on the side of the monument after laying their own poppy tributes.
On Saturday, personnel from Kinloss Barracks showcased vehicles and equipment which they use as part of the 300th anniversary of the Royal Engineers.
Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross said: “While the weather may not have been kind, it was great for those of us who were able to go and it shows how the army are very much an established part of Moray life.”
