The time capsule, a wooden box made by veterans at Erskine and locked by Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs will be kept by Poppyscotland to be opened on 4 August 2114, the 200^th anniversary of the start of WW1. It contains a number of mementos including copies of the historic booklets produced for the commemorations, films and photos.  It will be housed in the refurbished Poppy Factory in Canonmills when it re-opens in 2021.

A series of educational resources inspired by award-winning Scottish folk production Far, Far from Ypres has been released to help schools across the country learn about the impact WW1 had on Scotland.

A partnership between WW100 Scotland, Poppyscotland and Great War Dundee, the project is one of the final elements of Scotland’s national commemorative programme which promises to leave behind an educational legacy that encourages further exploration of the war.

Far, Far from Ypres is a critically-acclaimed multimedia production using the songs of the trenches to tell the story of the Scottish war effort. Devised, written and produced by Ian McCalman, a commemorative tour of the production took place in 2018, featuring 26 performers including Scottish folk scene favourites such as Barbara Dickson, Siobhan Miller and Dick Gaughan. The ten-venue tour, which closed with a performance at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on the centenary of the first Armistice Day, was awarded Event of the Year at the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2018.

Created to complement the SQA National 5 and Higher history curriculum, the new resources comprise a series of videos grouped into four key content areas – Scots on the Western Front, Domestic Impact of War: Society and Culture, Domestic Impact of War: Industry and Economy, and Domestic Impact of War: Politics.

Featuring a mixture of musical performances from the Far, Far from Ypres production and discussions with leading academics, some of the themes covered include recruitment and conscription, experience of life in the trenches, commemoration and remembrance, pacifism and conscientious objectors, and propaganda and the press. Experts include Derek Patrick, associate lecturer at the University of St Andrews, and Dr Billy Kenefick, a former lecturer at the University of Dundee who now leads the Great War Dundee project.

There are also a selection of source documents linked to key content areas to help students analyse and contextualise historical sources, a specific skills focus of the qualifications.  Teachers can access the resources by visiting the Poppyscotland Learning website.

Commenting on the project, Ian McCalman said: “It was an honour to tour Far, Far from Ypres as an integral part of Scotland WW1 centenary commemorations last year and I am delighted it has helped to inspire these valuable educational resources. The songs convey a range of emotions, from sadness and anger through to love, hope and the joyful camaraderie of soldiers in the trenches. They offer insight into how it might have felt to be experiencing the war 100 years ago, lending powerful context to key events in an era very different from our own.”

A map, created by WW100 Scotland will soon be launched on the Poppyscotland website for anyone who wishes to visit the many Memorials on the Western Front battlefields dedicated to Scottish Regiments and Battalions.

Poppyscotland will also look after the library of resources (historical booklets, films and education resources) which will be housed on the Poppyscotland website and be the custodian of the “What Do We Learn From All Th1s?” exhibition.

The exhibition, commissioned by the Scottish Government, delivered by research and design collective Lateral North and facilitated by the Scottish Print Network, uses traditional print making techniques combined with innovative technology.   Five print studios in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, with artists from 14 years of age upwards, contributed to the project.  It displays the matrices used to develop each of the artists’ 100 unique prints on wooden plinths arranged in a map of Scotland.  Augmented reality technology enables visitors to explore each of the stories in detail with an iPad.  The exhibition is on show at the Scottish Parliament until September 20.  It will then tour Scotland, first visiting the Black Watch Museum in Perth from 23 September-25 October 2019.

From individual acts of valour on the battlefield to naval tragedies off Scotland’s coast, from the thousands of workers filling factories at home to the brave members of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals at the Western Front, from innovations in areas such as surgery and aviation to the enduring work of poets and artists in the trenches, the project takes in a wide range of stories and subjects that will resonate throughout Scotland.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs said: “Over the past five years people across the country have come together to deliver a diverse programme of poignant events and projects in memory of those who lost their lives 100 years ago.

“One of the aims of the Commemorations Panel was to encourage a spirit of research and inquiry. The stories that were uncovered and the educational materials collected will leave a lasting legacy for future generations, helping people 200 years on to understand what we learned from the war and this WW1 commemoration.”

Professor Norman Drummond, chair of WW100 Scotland, said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as the chair of the Scottish Commemorations Panel which has overseen the commemorations of WW1.  A key theme that we have learnt throughout has been how important it is to use memory as a tool for the living.  The rich stories of the past have been used to great effect to tell current generations of Scotland’s role, and its people, during World War One.

“As I pass on the custodianship to Poppyscotland, I hope that in one hundred years’ when the time capsule is opened – and when the war is even more distant in history – it will provide future stimulus to reflect on and learn from the past for the generations that are to come.”

“I would like to pay particular tribute, on behalf of WW100 Scotland, to all those intrepid and imaginative organisers on the ground who have steadily encouraged others to participate in events or to research background history of those who served, whether as family or friends, and to bring together a whole series of significant commemorations of those ‘who for our tomorrow gave their today’.”

Receiving the time capsule on behalf of Poppyscotland was the charity’s Head of Fundraising & Learning, Gordon Michie. He said: “Poppyscotland is honoured to have been entrusted with the safekeeping of this remarkable artefact. The time capsule will take pride of place as a central feature within Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, which will reopen after refurbishment in late 2020.

“Together with the wide range of WW100 resources which we are embedding within our ongoing learning and outreach work, Poppyscotland will ensure that the legacy from the commemorative period continues to engage and inspire learning over the next 100 years.”

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Entitled What Do We Learn From All Th1s? the exhibition, commissioned by the Scottish Government, delivered by research and design collective Lateral North and facilitated by the Scottish Print Network, uses traditional printmaking techniques combined with innovative technology.  It displays the matrices used to develop each of the artists’ 100 unique prints on wooden plinths arranged in a map of Scotland.  Augmented reality technology enables visitors to explore each of the stories in detail with an iPad.

From individual acts of valour on the battlefield to naval tragedies off Scotland’s coast, from the thousands of workers filling factories at home to the brave members of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals at the Western Front, from innovations in areas such as surgery and aviation to the enduring work of poets and artists in the trenches, the project takes in a wide range of stories and subjects that will resonate throughout Scotland.

Five print studios in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, with artists from 14 years of age upwards, contributed to the project which marks the culmination of Scotland’s WW1 centenary programme.

City of Glasgow College student Tiegan Murray’s print tells the story of Helensburgh inventor John Logie Baird, famous for inventing the television, who developed ‘The Baird Undersock’.  Deemed unfit for military service when he tried to enlist in 1914, one of Logie Baird’s ailments was constant cold feet.  The Undersock he developed helped keep the soldiers feet in good health.

Fifteen year old Trisha Shenoy who is studying at The International School of Aberdeen, depicted ‘Maconachie’s Stew’, a familiar aspect of the British soldier’s diet in her piece.  One account from the time describes the stew as “warmed in the tin, Maconochie’s was edible. Cold it was a man-killer.”

Highly successful Scottish singer and entertainer Sir Harry Lauder who toured the world for four decades, and was described by Sir Winston Churchill as “Scotland’s greatest ever ambassador”, formed the focus for student Lola Knibb of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee.

She commented “My piece tells the story of Sir Harry Lauder’s journey during the war where he campaigned for war efforts and promoted recruitment into the services. He did this through the means of entertainment and music and he can be seen leading a parade of troops out of the city of Edinburgh, keeping the spirits high with music and marching, wearing his full highland attire which he became known for popularising on his tours around the world. The knobbly walking stick became one of Lauder’s most iconic features and he took one with him everywhere he went.”

The print by Christina MacKenzie, a third year student at Inverness High School, tells the tale of two guests at the Royal Highland Hotel in Inverness (then the Station Hotel) who were uncovered as spies.  The pair – a man and a woman – were arrested and taken to London to be tried. Some of the hotel’s staff were called to give evidence against them. The man ended his career in the Tower while the woman was sentenced to penal servitude for life.

Edinburgh’s Scottish National War Memorial is the focus for Eilidh Muldoon, a graduate and teaching fellow from Edinburgh College of Art.  The memorial was established by Royal Charter to commemorate the sacrifice of Scots in WW1 and opened in 1927.

Commenting on her work, Eilidh, said: “When I visited the Scottish National War Memorial I was immediately drawn to the intricate detail in the decorative stained-glass windows. I discovered that the decorations to the North, East, South and West of the building were designed to pay homage to those who fought and lost their lives in the war, but also to the experiences of those left at home.

“The four seasons are depicted in the stained-glass windows in order to symbolise the passing of time needed to soften grief. My design incorporates flowers that signify the seasons and also include stylised representations of water and birds, representing the naval and air forces.”

The free exhibition at the Scottish Parliament was welcomed by Presiding Officer Rt. Hon. Ken Macintosh MSP, who said: “One hundred years on from the First World War, the scale of the devastation and loss of life resulting from this horrific conflict continues to move people, and in this case, to touch and inspire a new generation of young artists.

“Here at the Scottish Parliament, we have been proud to support the events commemorating WW1 and we are pleased to be able to host this powerful and striking exhibition.

“It is worth remembering that so many of the Scots who lost their lives a century ago were the same age as the artists contributing to a wonderful installation which explores and re-tells their stories. I have no doubt that this artwork will make an impact on all who take the time to visit.”

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, said: “The What Do We Learn From All Th1s? project is a fitting culmination to the WW100 Scotland commemorations, allowing young people from across Scotland to tell the stories of World War One through the medium of print. It is particularly appropriate that the artworks harness traditional print-making techniques with augmented reality, bringing together old and new.

“World War One affected every village, town and city in Scotland, touching the lives of millions. It is important that we continue to remember the stories of bravery and sacrifice and to ensure they are passed on. I hope that many people will visit the Scottish Parliament to see the installation and to reflect on the artworks and the stories behind them.”

Tom Smith, director at Lateral North, said: “We have been working with students from across Scotland to creatively interpret people and place based stories of the First World War.  Working with Solius Heritage and the Scottish Print Network, we have brought over 100 artworks together in the form of an abstract map of Scotland.  These stories are revealed in augmented reality bringing the Century old stories into the present day.”

The project was delivered with support from Edinburgh Printmakers, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Glasgow Print Studio, Highland Print Studio and Peacock Print Studio in Aberdeen.

Following its installation at the Scottish Parliament, the first stop of the tour for the What Do We Learn From All Th1s? exhibition is at the Black Watch Museum in Perth from 23 September-25 October 2019.

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You can read an overview of the commemorative programme, as well as reflections and recommendations on its delivery in the full report here – Report and Recommendations of the Scottish Commemorations Panel 2019.

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Students as young as 14 have contributed pieces for the exhibition, entitled “What Do We Learn From All Th1s?”. It will combine traditional printmaking with innovative technologies to tell 100 stories gathered from all corners of Scotland.

The matrices used to develop each of the artists’ 100 unique prints will be mounted on wooden plinths arranged in a map of Scotland, with augmented reality technology allowing visitors to explore each of the stories in detail with an iPad.

Facilitated by the Scottish Print Network, which comprises five print studios in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, the project marks the culmination of Scotland’s WW1 centenary programme.

The exhibition will open at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 3 September, where it will be on display until Friday 20 September. Entry is free. Further plans for it to tour throughout Scotland are in progress.

Some of the artists were today finalising their prints at the Edinburgh Printmakers studio at Castle Mills, once home to the North British Rubber Company which features in the installation. Originally manufacturing a wide range of rubber products, at the outbreak of war, over 4,000 workers at the factory set to work 24 hours a day to meet demand for durable, rubber-soled boots for the trenches. By the end of the war, they had produced a total of 1,185,036 pairs of wellington boots to keep trench foot at bay.

Illustrator and printmaker Mhairi Braden, a graduate of Edinburgh College of Art and member of Edinburgh Printmakers, was given the story of the factory. Mhairi commented: “Producing the rubber boots that were vital in keeping countless soldiers in action, the North British Rubber Company was one of many crucial cogs that helped the UK to survive WW1. Imagining the thousands of workers who, right here, a century ago, worked tirelessly day after day to keep the factory going, I wanted to highlight their invaluable contribution to the war effort. My piece doesn’t focus on any specific individual, as every single worker had their bit to play in the war. It is about ordinary people helping each other to get through such a horrific, confusing and frightening time, together.”

Another of the stories featured in the exhibition is that of brothers Archie and Robert Dickson of Edinburgh, who fought in the Battle of Jutland. Archie, just 16 at the time, went down with the HMS Queen Mary and 1200 other men onboard, while 18-year-old Robert weathered the battle aboard the HMS Benbow. For forty years, until she was no longer able, their mother Kathleen visited the shoreline at Rosyth on the anniversary of the battle and placed a wreath in the Firth in memory of her son.

Edinburgh Printmaker artist Felix Charlton, who was given the story of the Dickson brothers, commented: “I was inspired by the mother of the two brothers, Kathleen, and her annual pilgrimage to lay a wreath in the harbour at Rosyth where the ships departed for battle. The story demonstrates how the terrible memories of the war never left the people of Scotland, with the lives of thousands of women just like Kathleen changed forever as they were plunged into mourning for their sons. My print depicts the wreath which Kathleen made with laurels from the family’s garden and blue forget-me-nots, tied together with a blue and gold naval ribbon.”

The project is being delivered by research and design collective Lateral North, with support from Edinburgh Printmakers, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Glasgow Print Studio, Highland Print Studio and Peacock Print Studio in Aberdeen.

Rt. Hon. Ken Macintosh MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said about the exhibition: “One hundred years on from the First World War, the scale of the devastation and loss of life resulting from this horrific conflict continues to move people and in this case, to touch and inspire a new generation of young artists.

“Here at the Scottish Parliament, we have been proud to support the centenary of events commemorating WW1 and we are pleased to be able to host this powerful and striking exhibition.

“It is worth remembering that so many of the Scots who lost their lives a century ago were the same age as the artists contributing to a wonderful installation which explores and re-tells their stories.

“I have no doubt that this artwork will make an impact on all who take the time to visit.”

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs said: “WW1 affected every village, city and town in Scotland, touching the lives of millions of Scots. The past five years have seen people across the country come together to deliver a diverse programme of hugely poignant events and projects in memory of those who lost their lives 100 years ago.

“It is important that we continue to remember World War One and ensure the stories of bravery and sacrifice continue to be passed on. The ‘What Do We Learn From All Th1s?’ project aims to provide a perspective on the broad impact of the war on individuals and communities, as seen through the eyes of the next generation.

“We look forward to the opening of the exhibition at the Scottish Parliament in September, when visitors will be able to view the fantastic artworks produced by some of Scotland’s top young talent and explore the moving and remarkable stories behind them.”

Tom Smith, director at Lateral North, said: “From individual acts of valour on the battlefield to naval tragedies off Scotland’s coast, from the thousands of workers filling factories at home to the brave members of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals at the Western Front, from innovations in areas such as surgery and aviation to the enduring work of poets and artists in the trenches, the project takes in a wide range of stories and subjects that will resonate throughout Scotland.

“The artists have really embraced the project, throwing themselves into research around their assigned stories and demonstrating real creativity, reflection and insight in their responses. We’re extremely impressed with the quality and variety of prints produced by the students and studios, and we can’t wait for it all to come together into a fitting tribute recognising Scotland’s immense contribution to World War One.”

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As the commemorative programme comes to an end,  Professor Norman Drummond CBE FRSE, chair of  the Scottish Commemorations Panel and WW100 Scotland, reflects on the final year of events in Scotland, and what we have learned from it all.

When the Scottish Commemorations Panel formed up in early 2013, an unbelievable six years ago now, there was a feeling both amongst the Panel and across the country that following the UK Commemoration of the start of the First World War in Glasgow Cathedral on Monday 4 August 2014, the morning after the Closing Ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and the WW100 Scotland commemoration the following Sunday 10 August 2014, that there might be something of a lull in activity until preparations began for the 2018 Armistice and beyond.

Those presuppositions could not have been more misplaced for as the commemorative period has progressed, throughout each and every year since 2014, there has been steadily significant and welcome growth in commemorative activity across a’ the ‘airts and pairts’ of Scotland.

WW100 Scotland pays particular tribute to all those intrepid and imaginative organisers on the ground who have steadily encouraged others to participate in events or to research background history of those who served, whether as family or friends, and to bring together a whole series of significant commemorations of those ‘who for our tomorrow gave their today’.

It is clear that the foundational aims of WW100 Scotland in terms of Education and Genealogy and Legacy have been met in full measure and now across the Lord-Lieutenancies and Local Authorities of Scotland there is a veritable caucus of personal, community, national and international material from which our successors in years to come and not least historians will garner much and be glad and grateful for.

Early on in our work in developing the significant WW100 Scotland logo we also created the strapline of “What Do We Learn from All Th1s?”  This strapline has proved to be most effective in the garnering of all the key and lasting points of each and every commemorative activity and occasion.

SS Tuscania and HMS Otranto on Islay

2018 has been a very full and highly significant year for WW100 Scotland with the centenary commemorations on Islay of the loss of SS Tuscania, in February 2018, and of HMS Otranto, in October 2018 – all brought together in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal with a significant commemoration in several parts on Friday 4 May 2018.  In our planning, within which we were greatly and nobly assisted by the WW100 Islay Committee under the Chairmanship of Jenny Minto MBE, we were delighted not only to have, in addition to HRH The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Ambassadorial presence of the United States in Robert Wood Johnson IV, of Germany in Tania Freiin von Uslar-Gleichen and of France in Consul General Emmanuel Cocher.  In addition, and on account of Operation Warrior taking place at sea, we were most memorably joined by ships of the Royal Navy, US Navy, Federal German Navy and the French Navy.

An early morning wreath-laying ceremony at the American Monument, at the Mull of Oa, on Islay was followed by a Commemorative Service at the War Memorial in Port Ellen with some memorable local contributions in that historic setting full of the emotional significance of 100 years previously.

A Royal Naval Guard and the Band of HM Royal Marines (Scotland) were in significant attendance and after the Service a packed congregation, of international representation not least descendants, enjoyed meeting HRH The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and seeing a very well received local exhibition by the school children of Islay.  The contemporary dance piece performed by the young Ella Edgar Dancers was also greatly appreciated by HRH The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, as well as by the local and national and international gathering.

War on the Home Front Conference

The University of St Andrews was the historic setting for the first ever UK Conference on the War on the Home Front, indefatigably and imaginatively organised by Sir Hew Strachan, which drew scholars from across the country and beyond whose academic papers will be ultimately brought together in a hitherto less well researched area of the history of the First World War.

A brilliant lecture by Michael Morpurgo packed the Younger Hall, with a memorably long queue of excited school children snaking down North Street, was followed by Never Such Innocence presentations, a public debate on Remembrance, First World War footage accompanied by tunes and songs of the era on a solo piano, and a Conference Dinner kindly hosted by Professor Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of St Andrews University in the welcome presence of Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs.

Far, Far from Ypres

Far, Far from Ypres and its 10-Theatre Tour of Scotland in the run-up to their final performance on Armistice Sunday 11 November 2018 in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh proved to be an outstanding success.  Conceived and written and directed and formed and led by the incomparable Ian McCalman, Far, Far from Ypres in its description of a Scottish Soldier throughout the First World War period was beautifully narrated by Iain Anderson of BBC Scotland and with Barbara Dickson and Siobhan Miller and Dick Gaughan regularly participating alongside well-known performers from the Scottish Folk Scene.  It was very pleasing that each venue was extremely well attended, if not sold out, and each performance in the 10 venues across Scotland ended with an immediate and prolonged standing ovation.

WW100 Scotland in partnership with Poppyscotland, being grateful to the Clydesdale Yorkshire Banking Group (CYBG) and Dickson Minto for their sponsorship as indeed several others in various parts, had hoped and planned with Ian McCalman and his cast that Far, Far from Ypres would provide something of a build up to the national Commemorative Service of the Centenary of the First Armistice on Sunday 11 November 2018 in Glasgow Cathedral and this it assuredly did.

Centenary of the First Armistice

Interest and enthusiasm for the Service,  beautifully and sensitively televised by BBC Scotland, was widespread and a very full multi-generational congregation of well over 1,200 people were joined by HRH The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence for what has since been hailed as a truly significant and highly memorable historic yet contemporary occasion.

We were very grateful to Andy Cant, the celebrated lone Fiddler and lone Piper from Orkney, who had played so memorably at the UK Commemorative Service for the Centenary of the Battle of Jutland in St Magnus Cathedral in 2016 for his especially commissioned Fiddle tune to begin the WW100 Scotland Service and for his In Remembrance solo pipe tune which so fittingly concluded the national commemorative Service that Armistice Sunday afternoon.

Of special mention within and amidst extensive newspaper and broadcast and social media coverage was the presence and contribution of the Prayer readings by three generations of a German/Scottish family and by young Commonwealth representatives from Canada, Australia and New Zealand augmented by a reading from Mahatma Gandhi by Panel Member, Gurjit Singh Lalli as well as by a prayer by Rabindranath Tagore read by Eva Bolander, Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Glasgow.

The National Youth Choir for Scotland were also in attendance and with their customary style and precision sang the Anthem Wherever You Are by Paul Mealor as well as accompanying the Legion Scotland singer and sweetheart, Amy Hawthorn, in the contemporary songs of Pack up your Troubles and Keep the Home Fires Burning and Keep right on to the end of the road being led by.

Perhaps most memorable of all was the moment when in the words of the Canadian Medical Officer, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, the torch was handed over to the next generation and Professor Norman Drummond, Chair of WW100 Scotland, escorted Cara Lucas (aged 10) from Priorsford Primary School in Peebles to the Lectern where she read with great confidence and admirable clarity the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi.

Cara’s father, Alexander James Lucas, was a Royal Marine Commando, serving with 45 Commando, based in Arbroath, Scotland, and was killed at Action in Kajaki, Afghanistan on 24th November, 2008. He was 24 years old.

The Glasgow Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Andrew Forbes led the full house in great and memorable voice and in addition sang For the Fallen, words by Laurence Binyon to a setting by Douglas Guest, and accompanied Ceitlin Smith in her accomplished and moving rendition of the song An Ubhal is Airde/The Highest Apple written by Rory and Callum Macdonald of Runrig.

The Service was skilfully narrated throughout by JJ Chalmers – an ex-marine who suffered life-changing injuries after being blown up by an IED in Afghanistan, JJ now presents for the BBC and Channel 4.

Armistice Centenary activity on and around Sunday 11 November 2018 was magnificent and inspiring.  Young people and families and organisations and communities across Scotland each in their own way came up with something really special and memorable which all those attending will not likely forget.

Walks of Gratitude and Hope were accomplished in the Cities of Edinburgh and of Perth, early morning Pipers played and late evening Bonfires were lit whilst over the weekend during the day similar events drew very large multi-generational crowds to local Cenotaphs and War Memorials.

Indeed the Centenary of the First Armistice seemed to bring together all three of the original themes of WW100 Scotland in terms of Education and of Genealogy and of Legacy and it is only right and fitting that once again WW100 Scotland and the Scottish Commemorations Panel salutes the indefatigable commitment of Lord-Lieutenants and Convenors of Local Authorities and all those with carefully and appropriately considered local and national events for their indefatigable efforts to make sure that this and subsequent generations do not lightly forget the sacrifice and commitment of those who have gone before us and whom we have in several ways so poignantly and so intricately remembered.  In this regard the Panel is also very appreciative of the time and commitment received from the armed forces in support of commemorative events, both large and small, over the past four years.

Welcome news on the Armistice Sunday, at the final Far, Far from Ypres performance in the Usher Hall in Edinburgh, was that Far, Far from Ypres had been nominated in the BBC Alba Trad Music Awards for Event of the Year… and how pleased were we all not many weeks later to learn that Ian McCalman and his talented cast and crew of Far, Far from Ypres had been voted for and achieved this most prestigious and appropriate Award.

WW100 Scotland and the Scottish Commemorations Panel owes a particular debt of gratitude to Ian McCalman and Far, Far from Ypres for there can be no doubt that their successive and increasingly successful performances across Scotland in the run-up to Armistice Sunday really did alert an increasing number of individuals and families to the local and national and international significance of the Centenary of the First Armistice 100 years ago on 11 November 1918.

Education Events

Throughout the commemorative period, WW100 Scotland with partners in various parts of the country have organised educational engagement events for Schools and Teachers, each of which has proved very successful not merely in terms of participation but also in the provision of subsequent educational thought and materials.

The final educational engagement event, with thanks to the National Museums of Scotland, took place there on Thursday 6 December 2018 and in a series of Lectures and Workshops addressed the aftermath of the First World War and was heralded by a warm welcome from Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs and a customarily stellar Lecture by Sir Hew Strachan.

HMY Iolaire

New Year’s Day 1919 will forever in the minds of those in the Western Isles, as indeed across Scotland and within the Scottish Diaspora, be associated with the tragic loss of HMY Iolaire and 201 of the 280 on board within sight of Stornoway Harbour that cruel and stormy early morning.

Great credit must be given to the Western Isles Council, ably led by Convenor Norman Macdonald and so magnificently assisted by Doileag MacLeod for the Iolaire Centenary commemorations which began with a torchlight procession from the harbour to the Nicolson Institute for an inspiring evening entitled A Community Remembers, where all those present were encouraged and inspired by local and youthful talent in readings and verse and music and song with two appreciated performances by a small band of HM Royal Marines (Scotland).

A Community Remembers was broadcast live on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal as were the powerful moments of a short Vigil at the Iolaire Memorial at 1.48am with a moment of silent remembrance at 1.55am 100 years to the minute when HMY Iolaire hit the rocks of the Beast of Holm so close to shore and home.

The WW100 Scotland Iolaire Centenary Commemorative Service was well attended by a vast crowd on the slopes looking down to the Iolaire Memorial, where in the presence of HRH The Prince Charles, Lord of the Isles and the First Minister of Scotland, readings and psalms were presided over by The Very Revd Dr Angus Morrison who led the congregation in his own composition of the Iolaire Centenary Prayer.

Throughout the commemorative period WW100 Scotland has been very grateful to Jenny Waldman and Nigel Hinds of 14-18 NOW for their early interest and subsequent several commissions as part of the 14-18 NOW Arts Programme, which included two musical commissions.  The first An Treas Suaile (The Third Wave) by Julie Fowlis and Duncan Chisholm and the second Sàl (Saltwater) by Iain Morrison.  There can be no doubt that the Iolaire Centenary Commemorations occasioned and inspired a whole range of magnificent artistic and musical and written contributions once again in the themes of Education and Genealogy and Legacy, powerful indeed to remembrance of a generation whose only way to forget was to choose not to remember.

The magnificent newly-commissioned Iolaire Sculpture entitled The Rope has not only been in several ways both appropriate and cathartic after such a long period of time but also now provides an outstanding place to visit and to contemplate, whether as a relative or friend of a descendant or family or visitor all so keen to pay respects.

So as 2019 begins, WW100 Scotland is planning an artistic installation which all being well will tour chosen locations in Scotland thereby enabling Lord-Lieutenancies and Local Authorities to collect and display artefacts and reminiscences of the commemorative period thus providing a deep and lasting legacy for our successors to consult in the fulness of time.

So what have we learned from all this? 

Firstly, we have been reminded how important it is to use ‘memory as a tool for the living’ and so to be very aware in our own times of letting politics get so out of hand that destructive and debilitating conflict follows.

Secondly, we have been in awe of the remarkable camaraderie of those who have gone on before us, whether in the fighting line or providing for the troops or those, particularly women, who did indeed ‘keep the home fires burning’ – of colleagues thrown together in a common aim who became comrades in a shared purpose, reminding us that “those things which divide us are as nothing to compared to that which unites us”.

And thirdly, in these also uncertain times here at home and abroad, we have realised that whilst attitudes may have changed there are certain values which are timeless and which shall never change.

Loyalty and devotion, courage and self-sacrifice, perseverance and resilience demonstrated by those who sacrificed their lives and gave up their future in the service of others – those who for our tomorrow gave their today.

What better tribute can we pay to those who have gone so selflessly before us than by demonstrating those values in our daily lives?

To be there for each other, to cross the road, to give up our coat for a stranger, to go the extra mile, to be the stretcher bearer to those in any kind of need whether in physical illness or trouble or mental distress?

What we have learned from and throughout these commemorations is how vital is the spirit of service, and that there is nothing in life nor in death which can separate us from the love of our faith and of our family and of our hope to live in a world of peace where “those things which divide us are as nothing compared to that which unites us”.

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The ship hit ‘The Beasts of Holm’ rocks, around 20 yards from Stornoway’s coastline, as it brought men home from World War One. Of around 300 on board, over 200 men from Lewis and Harris perished along with the crew.

Organised in conjunction with Western Isles Council, the National Commemorative Service was attended by local people and Iolaire descendants, while HRH The Prince Charles, Lord of the Isles, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s most senior Naval Officer Rear Admiral John Weale, and the Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Norman A Macdonald, all laid a wreath.

Conducted by The Very Revd Dr Angus Morrison the service included a reading of Isaiah 43 1-7 by HRH The Lord of the Isles, The Iolaire Lament played by Stornoway Piper Finlay Macleod and The Iolaire Centenary Prayer which was composed and led by the Minister.  The end of the two minute silence was marked with the reveille by Royal Marine Bugler James Trowbridge.

A new sculpture to commemorate the Iolaire, adjacent to the Memorial, was unveiled by HRH The Lord of the Isles.   Commissioned by An Lanntair, Stornoway’s arts hub, the sculpture features a bronze depiction of a coiled heaving line which references the heroism of John Finlay Macleod who swam ashore with a rope to rescue 40 of the 79 men who were saved.  It was created by artists Will Maclean, Marian Leven and Arthur Watson and bears the names of those lost and the communities they came from as well as a bronze wreath composed of maritime insignia.

HRH The Lord of the Isles and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met Iolaire descendants and the 29-strong Royal Naval Guard.  Descendants included Anne Frater whose great grandfather perished and Malcolm Macdonald whose grandfather died in the disaster.  Malcolm has co-written a book about the tragedy ‘The Darkest Dawn’ which tracks the stories of all those on board.  HRH The Lord of the Isles wrote the Foreword for the book.

As the Service took place on land, a similar event, led by Rev James Maciver of the Stornoway Free Church, was held on board Caledonian MacBrayne’s MV Loch Seaforth ferry near where the Iolaire hit the rocks.  Over 500 people were on board, including schoolchildren from the Western Isles who threw 201 red carnations into the sea.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, said:
“As we welcome in the New Year, today in Stornoway we rightly look back 100 years and remember those lost on the Iolaire – a tragedy that involved so many, so close to shore and, for most of the men, so close to home.  We reflect on those who perished and how survivors, family, friends and the wider communities on Lewis, Harris and Berneray must have felt.  It may have been a century ago but the legacy of the Iolaire will never be forgotten. I was honoured to be part of the commemorations and meet descendants.”

Professor Norman Drummond, chair of WW100 Scotland and the Scottish Commemorations Panel, commented:
“Today was a very poignant and fitting WW100 Scotland Commemoration of the Iolaire tragedy as we remember the events of 100 years ago.  Trying to imagine the relief and excitement of the men and their families on their return and the sorrow that was to follow is beyond comprehension for many of us.

“The Iolaire remains one of the worst UK maritime disasters of the 20^th Century.”

Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Chairman of the Iolaire Working Group, Norman A Macdonald, said:
“This was a very poignant service that chimes very much with the events that have already taken place and will continue to take place into the future, throughout the communities from the Butt to Barra, in memory of the men who lost their lives so close to shore.  The events of that terrible night in January 1919 impacted on communities throughout the Western Isles and remain a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our young men in the service of their country.  It is the worst tragedy to befall our Islands and its effect reverberates to this day.”

The Flag Officer for Scotland & Northern Ireland, Rear Admiral John Weale, said:
“Today’s commemoration was very appropriate and I am very happy that the Royal Navy was able to participate.

“The men who perished in the tragedy were sailors and it is absolutely fitting that the Royal Navy pays tribute to their sacrifice. It’s something we do, as a Naval Service, when we lose people on operations and we weren’t able to do that 100 years ago.  So today was particularly important to us, and I speak for all of the sailors and marines who were here today, when I say that we are privileged to have taken part, to be able to pay our respects to fallen comrades and to be able to meet their descendants.  I applaud the local community for their determination to keep the memory of those men and the disaster alive today and for tomorrow.”

For many taking part, the service had a particular poignancy.  One of the wreath bearers, Lt Alison Ross of the Royal Navy is the great great niece of John Finlay Macleod who brought ashore the rope that is depicted in the new Iolaire sculpture.   Stornoway-based Constable Shona Macdonald, whose Great Grandfather from Inner Coll lost his life on the Iolaire, laid a wreath on behalf of Police Scotland.  Laying the wreath on behalf of the Stornoway Coast Guard was volunteer Coast Guard Robert McKinnon.  Robert’s grandfather, after whom he is named, made it to shore and helped secure the rope that John Finlay Macleod had brought ashore.  He walked home to Harris, a distance of nearly 50 miles, soaked but safe.

In the early hours of the morning of January 1, Comhairle’s Convener led a small vigil at the Memorial to the minute the Iolaire hit the rocks.  The Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison delivered a short service followed by a two minute silence at 1.55am.  At the end of the silence a Lone Piper played “Lament for the Iolaire” while the Stornoway Lifeboat illuminated the rocks from the sea.

At 3.00pm on December 31, at Kyle Railway Station where the sailors disembarked before heading for the Iolaire 100 years ago, a special commemoration was held by Legion Scotland.  The Lord-Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty and Skye and Lochalsh, Mrs Janet Bowen CVO, unveiled a plaque and both she and Sir Alistair Irwin, President of the Royal British Legion Scotland, laid wreaths.

Sharon Smith is the great niece of Malcolm Thomson who was lost on the Iolaire at the age of 27. “My great uncle Malcolm had already been in the Royal Navy Reserves for two years when World War One broke out, and he spent the whole of the war at sea. As far as I am aware, he never suffered any injury or illness during this time.

“At the end of the war, he was one of hundreds of sailors waiting at Kyle of Lochalsh for the boats to take them back home to Lewis. There were two boats allocated, the Shelia and the Iolaire. I have been told that Uncle Malcolm was due to board the Sheila but he unexpectedly met two brothers who were close childhood friends from the same village. They hadn’t seen each other since the beginning of the war and had much to talk about so Malcolm boarded the Iolaire with them instead. Sadly a few hours later, all three had drowned on that tragic New Year’s morning.

“My dad spoke about the deep grief and sorrow his grandmother endured for the rest of her life, and he would take us to the memorial site at Holm to remind us of the tragedy and not to forget. It will always affect our island, and it is important that the future generations continue to remember the lost.”

Ruairidh Moir from North Tolsta in Lewis is a great-great nephew of Kenneth Campbell, who was lost on the Iolaire.  His family still live on the croft where Kenneth and his brothers grew up.

“Tolsta was hit hard by the disaster, it seems many of the villagers may have grouped together on board. One of those lost was my great-great uncle, Kenneth ‘Pedair’ Campbell, who was one of seven brothers sent to war. There were apparently few families in the country who had so many serving at one time, and the king wrote to their mother Isabella Campbell with the offer of allowing one of her sons to come home.  She could not make the choice and all seven remained in the war.  Two, Donald and Angus, died on active service during the war, with Kenneth losing his life on the Iolaire.”

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Organised by WW100 Scotland in conjunction with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council), the National Commemorative Service will take place at the Iolaire Memorial in Stornoway on New Year’s Day, 100 years to the day of the tragedy.  It will be attended by hundreds of local people including: Iolaire descendants; HRH The Prince Charles, Lord of the Isles; First Minister Nicola Sturgeon; Scotland’s most senior Naval Officer Rear Admiral John Weale and the Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council), Norman A Macdonald, each of whom will lay a wreath.

The Service will be conducted by The Very Revd Dr Angus Morrison.  At the end of the Service HRH The Lord of the Isles will unveil a new sculpture to commemorate the Iolaire.   Commissioned by An Lanntair, Stornoway’s arts hub, the sculpture will feature a bronze depiction of a coiled heaving line which references the heroism of John Finlay Macleod who swam ashore with a rope to rescue 40 of the 79 men who were saved.  It was created by artists Will Maclean, Marian Leven and Arthur Watson and will bear the names of those lost and the communities they came from as well as a bronze wreath composed of maritime insignia.

While the Service on land is taking place, a similar event, led by Rev James Maciver of the Stornoway Free Church, will be held on board Caledonian MacBrayne’s MV Loch Seaforth ferry which will be situated near where the Iolaire hit the rocks just off Holm in view of the Iolaire Memorial.  Over 500 people will be on board, including schoolchildren from the Western Isles.  Schoolchildren will throw 201 red carnations into the sea, one for each of the men that perished, as the Service draws to a close.

Professor Norman Drummond, Chair of the Scottish Commemorations Panel, said: “It is beyond our comprehension that over 200 men perished so close to home after surviving the War in what remains one of the worst UK maritime disasters of the 20^th Century.  When you look out from the Iolaire Memorial to where HMY Iolaire hit the rocks of ‘The Beasts of Holm’ you are struck by just how close they were to shore.  It is hard to imagine the relief and excitement of the men and their families on their return and then the sorrow that was to follow.

“It is right and fitting that we hold a WW100 Scotland Commemoration in their memory and reflect on the lasting impact this tragic incident had on future generations on the Western Isles and far beyond.”

Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Chairman of the Iolaire Working Group, Norman A Macdonald, commented: “The Comhairle along with our partners on The Iolaire Working Group has been working to ensure that the 100^th anniversary of the Iolaire tragedy is marked in an appropriate way throughout our community, including the “A Community Remembers” event in the Lewis Sports Centre on 31^st December.

“This commemoration is of major significance for our Islands. The events of that terrible night in January 1919 impacted on communities throughout the Western Isles and remain a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our young men in the service of their country. It is the worst tragedy to befall our Islands and its effect reverberates to this day.”

At 3.00pm on December 31, a special commemoration will be held by Legion Scotland at Kyle Railway Station where the sailors disembarked before heading for the Iolaire one hundred years ago.  The Lord-Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty and Skye and Lochalsh, Mrs Janet Bowen CVO will unveil a plaque and both she and Sir Alistair Irwin, President of the Royal British Legion Scotland will lay wreaths.

Historian Malcolm Macdonald whose grandfather was killed in the disaster and has co-written a book about the tragedy ‘The Darkest Dawn’ which tracked the stories of all those on board HMY Iolaire and which will be presented to HRH The Lord of the Isles, said:

“Two ships left that night bound for Stornoway, one HMY Iolaire, the other SS Sheila which left later.  There are many sad tales of those that swapped places to ensure that friends could get home to their families earlier.

“I had no inkling of my family’s own connection to the disaster until the memorial was erected at Holm in 1960.  I knew my grandfather had died in the war but I had no idea that it was so close to home as it was never talked about, a story that is true across the island.”

The grandfather of Iain Maciver, Port Manager for CalMac Ferries in Stornoway, also perished on the Iolaire.  His remains were never found. Iain said: “My father was very young when he lost his father on the Iolaire and, like so many others here, his mother never talked about it.

“It is particularly poignant that our vessels pass the site at the entrance to the harbour daily, highlighting how close they were to home.”

Anne Frater’s great grandfather, was lost in the tragedy.  John Macleod, who was serving in the Royal Navy Reserves, was coming back for the baptism of the youngest of his five children, a daughter whom he would never see.

“My Granny, at 10, was the oldest child and she was helping her mother get ready for her father’s return.  What struck me about her story was how her father was even taken out of her identity.  Until then, she had been known as Màiri Iain Mhurch’ Chaluim (Mary, daughter of John, son of Murdo, son of Malcolm), but after the Iolaire, people started calling her Màiri bheag Catrìona (Catherine’s wee Mary).

“Only recently did I find out that another great grandfather may have been one of the survivors.  If he was, it wasn’t ever spoken about.”

Volunteer Coast Guard Robert McKinnon’s grandfather, after whom he is named, survived the disaster.

“My grandfather made it to shore and helped secure the rope that John Finlay Macleod had brought ashore.  He walked home to Harris, a distance of nearly 50 miles, soaked but safe.”

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The day was opened by Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop, before an opening address was delivered by renowned historian Professor Sir Hew Strachan, Professor of International Relations at the University of St Andrews and a member of the Scottish Commemorations Panel.

Pupils then attended a series of workshops hosted by some of the organisations established in the aftermath of the war. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission held a session on how the Commission was set up, its purpose, and why it is still needed today, while the Royal British Legion Scotland spoke about the requirement for a charitable organisation to provide support to ex-Servicemen when they returned from the war. Representatives from Poppyscotland shared the story of the poppy, its status as a symbol of remembrance, and the charity’s ongoing work, while a session delivered by Erskine covered its pioneering work to provide WW1 veterans with prosthetic limbs and help them rehabilitate through career training.

Susan Morrison, presenter and co-founder of Previously … Scotland’s History Festival, will deliver a session on how the war opened up new opportunities for women.

Professor Norman Drummond, Chair of WW100 Scotland and the Scottish Commemorations Panel, commented:

“Although the war had come to an end, life would never be the same. From countless grieving families and veterans who had sustained life-changing injuries and trauma, to the huge increase in women entering the workforce, society in Scotland was transformed. As communities attempted to deal with their loss and adjust to a new way of life, many organisations and initiatives were established, some of which continue to operate today and have become synonymous with remembrance.

“As we approach the end of the centenary commemorative period, it is hugely important that we remember that Scotland’s struggle continued well beyond the Armistice. It is only fitting that the next generation learn about the lasting impact of the war and give recognition to the organisations that helped the people of Scotland through its aftermath, and who continue their valuable work to this day.”

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said:

“World War I had a devastating impact across Scotland, with no town or village unaffected. This event will help young people understand that, although the guns fell silent, life did not go back to normal and many, both returning servicemen and those whose loved ones did not return, were faced with new struggles to rebuild their lives.

“As we near the end of the centenary commemorations, it is important that we continue to remember the tragedy of World War I and recognise the incredible bravery our soldiers and communities showed as they faced an uncertain future after the war.

“Especially as we celebrate 2018 Year of Young People, this initiative plays an important role in engaging our younger generations, helping ensure the legacy of World War I is not forgotten.”

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The 2018 event will look at the aftermath of the war.  With contributions from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Poppyscotland and Royal British Legion Scotland, this is a one day event with lunch provided.

Aimed at S3 pupils and above, the workshops will look at how, for many servicemen, the war might be over but the struggle continued leading to the establishment of Legion Scotland.  The Commonwealth War Graves Commission will give an insight into the sheer scale of their work – which continues to this day and Poppyscotland will explain the importance of remembrance then and now.

With an opening address by Professor Sir Hew Strachan teachers should be aware places are limited and early booking is advised.

Please contact ScottishCommemorationsPanel@gov.scot to book places.

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Organised by WW100 Scotland in conjunction with Glasgow City Council, the Service was attended by HRH The Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence; First Minister Nicola Sturgeon; Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Councillor Eva Bolander in her capacity as Lord Lieutenant; Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop; Ken Macintosh, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament; The Baroness Goldie DL and The Right Revd Susan Brown, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Around 700,000 Scots joined the forces to serve in WW1, more than 100,000 died.  The Glasgow Cathedral Service, narrated by ex-Royal Marine, TV presenter and athlete JJ Chalmers, aimed to reflect the feelings of the times, focusing on four key themes:

Sadness and Relief – sadness for the loss of life but relief that war was near an end
Joy and Victory – joy of returning home from war and for the sense of victory despite all the odds
Seeds of Change – life could never be the same again
Courage for the Future – in uncertain times hold on to values and to hope

It opened in a poignant moment with the lights dimming and Orcadian musician Andy Cant playing a specially commissioned Fiddle tribute entitled Glimmers of Goodbyes.   The National Youth Choir of Scotland, Glasgow Cathedral Choir and Legion Scotland singer Amy Hawthorn led the congregation in a musical repertoire that included WW1 songs and traditional hymns.

The WW100 Scotland Armistice Centenary Prayer, composed by WW100 Scotland chair Professor Norman Drummond, was read by three generations of a German/Scottish family, along with Commonwealth representatives from Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The Lord Provost of Glasgow and Gurjit Singh Lalli, founder and curator of TEDxGlasgow gave readings and Ceitlin Smith, the 2014 Mòd Gold Medal Winner, sang Runrig’s poignant Gaelic song ‘An Ubhal is Àirde (The Highest Apple)’.

Ten year old Cara Lucas from Priorsford Primary School in Peebles represented the younger generations in her reading of the Prayer of St Francis.  Cara’s father, Alexander James Lucas was a Royal Marine Commando serving with 45 Commando based in Arbroath, when he was killed in action in Kajaki on November 24, 2008.  He was 24 years old.

The service finished with The Moderator of the Church of Scotland, The Right Rev Susan Brown, giving the final blessing as the lighting in the Cathedral brightened and Piper Andy Cant played his own composition In Remembrance.

HRH The Princess Royal then signed Glasgow Cathedral’s visitors book and was handed a posy by Iona and Torrin Scott-Elliot, the great great grandchildren of Lieutenant Colonel William Herbert Anderson.  ‘Bertie’, who was in the 12^th Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry, was posthumously awarded the VC for courageously leading his command in a double-counter attack in France, successfully driving the enemy away despite being overwhelmingly outnumbered. His bravery cost him his life and he died behind enemy lines on 25 March 1918 at the age of 36.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Today was a very fitting and poignant service as we leave a legacy for future generations on the history and horrors of World War One.”

“It is hard for us to imagine exactly how people would have felt one hundred years ago. There would no doubt have been elation and relief that the war had finally ended, but the loss of so many lives and the injuries sustained had a lasting impact on families and communities – an impact which current and future generations must never forget.”

Glasgow’s Lord Provost Eva Bolander, said: “Today marks 100 years since the end of the Great War. A moment in history where we draw a line in our centenary commemorations of the First World War. It’s important we continue to remember the bravery of those who fought and died for our freedoms and reflect on the importance of tolerance, peace and mutual respect in an uncertain and complex world. Values that help promote understanding.”

In the evening, an audience of around 2000 filled the Usher Hall for a performance of acclaimed multimedia production Far, Far from Ypres. Scottish folk favourites including Barbara Dickson brought the story of prototypical Scots soldier Jimmy McDonald to life through the iconic songs, poems and real stories of the war. The show was the final performance in a ten venue commemorative tour of Scotland, which received standing ovations and critical acclaim throughout.

Professor Norman Drummond, chair of WW100 Scotland and the Scottish Commemorations Panel, added:  “We must also remember that 11 November 1918 was sadly not the end of lives lost during WW1.  In the early hours of January 1, 1919 over 200 Lewis and Harris sailors and their crew perished when HMY Iolaire hit the rocks of ‘The Beasts of Holm’.  This remains one of the worst UK maritime disasters of the 20^th Century.  The tragedy will be remembered in commemorations on Lewis 100 years to the day.”

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‘Mixed emotions, then and now’

O God our Father,
We understand that on this Armistice Day 100 years ago there were many and mixed emotions, such as we in remembrance and in our own time can still feel today.

We call to mind the sadness of so many lives lost and injured, families torn apart and for whom life was never ever the same.
We call to mind the relief that the ‘War that was meant to end all wars’ was coming to a close.

We call to mind the joy of those returning from war and the heartfelt welcomes which awaited them.
We call to mind the sense of victory despite all the odds and hitherto insurmountable hardships.

We also call to mind that life could never be the same again with so many seeds of social, industrial and technological change and we thank you that amidst all these mixed emotions men and women of our Nation continued to embrace courage for the future in uncertain times.

We also remember, in the words of the Canadian Medical Officer, Captain John McCrae:
“To you from failing hands we throw the torch;
be yours to hold it high.”

That torch of Faith and Hope and Love continues to be thrown to each and every one of us, in our homes and in our families, in our communities and across our Nation.

So let us say together:

Help and remind us in our also uncertain times never to break faith with those “who for our tomorrow gave their today” – and so in turn to demonstrate our Faith and our Hope and our Love for today and every day.
And so may Peace, Your Peace, which passes all our human understanding, reign in all our hearts.
Help us to be courageous and kind in our time and generation and so to leave the world better for our presence and devotion to those things which matter, and which will last.
Amen

Prayer composed by
The Revd Professor Norman Drummond CBE FRSE
Chair, WW100 Scotland

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Members of the public are invited to the Scottish Parliament on the evening of Sunday 11 November to view the unique illumination which will honour the tens of thousands of men and women listed in the Scottish National War Memorial Roll of Honour. Along with Scottish servicemen, the names of those projected will include nurses, munitions factory workers, Merchant Navy personnel, and overseas servicemen who fought on behalf of Scotland.

It will take seven hours to project the names of all those who died, reflecting the sheer scale of loss and the sacrifice that generation made for the country. Set to music, the illumination – which will be projected on to the whole facade of the Parliament – will include images and designs that tell the story of the conflict. Throughout the evening there will be performances by pipers from across Scotland, and the projection will conclude at midnight with the Last Post.

The projection will begin at 5.00pm and finish at midnight with each name appearing from the Roll of Honour, in alphabetical order, on the Parliament building for around ten seconds.

Further details about the projection including the timings of the appearance of the names will be released shortly. This will enable people who wish to attend to identify the best time to see a relative’s name projected. Details will be made available on www.parliament.scot/WW100.

Designed by artist Ross Ashton, the projection titled – THEIR NAME LIVETH – is the result of a partnership between the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish National War Memorial and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The Presiding Officer, the Rt. Hon. Ken Macintosh MSP said: “This illumination will be a poignant tribute to all those who died and a powerful reminder to us today of their sacrifice.

“It is the centrepiece of the Parliament’s plans to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the end of World War I and I hope as many people as possible will join us on Armistice Day to view what will be a truly unique illumination.

“The fact it will take 7 hours to project the names of all those who died reflects the sheer scale of the loss and the devastation the war had on communities right across Scotland.

“This has been a remarkable project and I would like to thank our partners The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Scottish National War Memorial for their help in making it happen.”

David Allfrey, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said: “All of us at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are honoured to play a part in the commemoration of the Armistice. We recognise the particular significance of this against the back-drop of four years of remembrance.

“Ross Ashton and his team work with us every year and have created beautiful and innovative projections for our show. He has worked with our armed forces for many years and will, we know, respectfully memorialise the many men and women who lost their lives during the war.

“This event is hugely important and will help us to reflect upon all we’ve learned over the past century, and in particular these previous four years. We would encourage as many people as possible to join us at The Parliament and pay their own personal tribute.”

Lt Col Colin McGrory, the Secretary to the Trustees of the Scottish National War Memorial, said: “The Trustees were delighted to be asked to contribute to what will be a stunning tribute to the Scottish men and women who died in the First World War.

“The team of artists and builders that constructed the Memorial from 1924 to 1927 included many veterans of the War who were fortunate enough to return home. Behind every name projected onto the Parliament on 11 November 2018 is a story of a son, a daughter, a father, a husband. 100 years on, it is our duty and honour to remember them and what they gave their lives for. Lest We Forget.”

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Organised by WW100 Scotland in conjunction with Glasgow City Council, a multigenerational service will take place in Glasgow Cathedral at 4pm on Sunday 11 November attended by over 1,000 people including HRH The Princess Royal, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow Eva Bolander.

The service will focus on four key themes:

• Sadness and Relief – sadness for the loss of life but relief that war was near an end
• Joy and Victory – joy of returning home from war and for the sense of victory despite all the odds
• Seeds of Change – life could never be the same again
• Courage for the Future – in uncertain times hold on to values and to hope

Broadcast live on BBC One Scotland, the service will be narrated by ex-Royal Marine, TV presenter and athlete JJ Chalmers and will have a multigenerational focus, with the National Youth Choir of Scotland singing alongside the Glasgow Cathedral Choir. A limited number of tickets are available to the public here and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

To begin the Service, Orcadian Andy Cant will play a specially commissioned Fiddle tribute entitled Glimmers of Goodbye and chair of WW100 Scotland and the Scottish Commemorations Panel, Professor Norman Drummond’s commemorative prayer will be read by three generations of one family and by young people from Canada, Australia and New Zealand representing the Commonwealth. The Service will conclude with Piper Andy Cant playing his own composition In Remembrance.

Professor Norman Drummond, commented: “In developing our plans to mark the 100^th anniversary of the First Armistice, we wanted to ensure the traditions of Remembrance Sunday – reflecting on all those who had served in all wars and conflicts over the years – remained.  We understood that people in Scotland would want to be amongst ‘their ain folk’.

“From 12noon the focus will shift as we remember 100 years since the end of WW1.  There were very mixed emotions around the country as war drew to a close.

“We believe we have created a fitting, traditional yet contemporary service to reflect the mood of the nation at the time of the First Armistice 100 years ago.”

The service will include readings by the Lord Provost of Glasgow and Gurjit Singh Lalli, founder and curator of TEDxGlasgow. The Moderator of the Church of Scotland, The Right Rev Susan Brown, will give the final blessing.  Legion Scotland singer Amy Hawthorn will be joined by the National Youth Choir of Scotland and Glasgow Cathedral Choir in a musical repertoire that will include WW1 songs and traditional hymns.  Ceitlin Smith, the 2014 Mòd Gold Medal Winner, will sing Runrig’s poignant Gaelic song ‘An Ubhal is Airde (The Highest Apple)’.

In the evening, an audience of around 2000 will fill the Usher Hall for a performance of acclaimed multimedia production Far, Far from Ypres. Scottish folk favourites including Barbara Dickson will bring the story of prototypical Scots soldier Jimmy McDonald to life through the iconic songs, poems and real stories of the war. The show will mark the final performance in a ten venue commemorative tour of Scotland, which has received standing ovations and critical acclaim throughout. A limited number of tickets are still available for the performance here.

Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Eva Bolander, said: “Glasgow is extremely proud to host the national service marking the end of the Great War. We were honoured to hold the UK service signalling the start of First World War commemorations back in 2014.

“Throughout the last four years Glasgow has honoured seven of its First World War VC heroes with commemorative paving stones including Bertie Anderson – whose stone can be viewed outside the People’s Palace. I had the pleasure of meeting this remarkable man’s great-grandson, Robin Scott-Elliot and his family at that unveiling ceremony and I’m looking forward to seeing them again.”

Of the 700,000 Scots who joined the forces, more than 100,000 died during WW1. Nearly every village, city and town in Scotland has some form of memorial displaying the names of their war dead.

Lieutenant Colonel William Herbert Anderson, known as Bertie, was commanding the 12th Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry, as it moved through France in March 1918. He was awarded the VC for courageously leading his command in a double-counter attack, successfully driving the enemy away despite being overwhelmingly outnumbered. However his bravery cost him his life and he died behind enemy lines on 25 March 1918 at the age of 36.

Bertie was the last of four brothers to perish in the war – Charlie had passed away on 19 December 1914 at the age of 26, followed by Ronnie on 8 October 1915 at the age of 30. Both had also served in the Highland Light Infantry. A week before Bertie’s death, his youngest brother Teddie, who had transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, went down in a plane over Winchester on 16 March 1918 aged just 21.

Bertie’s great-grandson, Robin Scott-Elliot, who will be attending the 11 November commemoration with wife Karen and daughters Iona and Torrin, commented: “It is unthinkable what the parents of Bertie, Charlie, Ronnie and Teddie must have gone through, losing all four sons in less than four years.  When I reflect on their stories and think about when they died in relation to my age now, I’m struck by how truly short their lives were.

“The impact of their deaths was felt in the family for years – their parents never recovered, and my grandfather, who was a toddler at the time of Bertie’s death, had to go through life without a father – an experience which was shared by many after the war.

“I am very proud of the brave actions of my great-grandfather and great-uncles and will be remembering their sacrifices – and millions of others – with my family at Glasgow Cathedral on 11 November. It’s so important to pass these stories on to the next generation so that the devastation caused by the war is never forgotten.”

Iona Scott-Elliot, aged 11, great-great granddaughter of Bertie, added: “I think we should always try to remember my great-great grandad and all the other men and women like him even though they died a long time ago.”

Norman Drummond added:  “We must also remember that 11 November 1918 was sadly not the end of lives lost during WW1.  In the early hours of January 1, 1919 over 200 Lewis and Harris sailors and their crew perished when HMY Iolaire hit the rocks of ‘The Beasts of Holm’.  This remains one of the worst UK maritime disasters of the 20^th Century.  The tragedy will be remembered in commemorations on Lewis 100 years to the day.”

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Play for Peace aims to coordinate a series of ‘pop up’ concerts to take place across the world on the afternoon of 11th November with a specially commissioned piece, “Armistice”, being played at 16:00 CET.

“Armistice” was scored by Scottish fiddler Thoren Ferguson on the Wilfred Owen violin – made from a branch of a sycamore tree in the grounds of Craiglockhart, Edinburgh, the former First World War shell shock hospital where war poet Wilfred Owen convalesced.

He will play the piece on the violin at Edinburgh Napier University’s Craiglockhart Campus, where the event will be staged, with musicians from around the world joining in through modern technology and social media. A screening of the concert from Craiglockhart Campus will be available.

How to get involved?

• Can you play? Share a live stream using #iPlay4Peace at 4pm CET on 11 November 2018
• Take a lead role in your own country in bringing together a local concert of co-operation
• Encourage musicians to play “Armistice” at 4pm CET on 11 November 2018
• Help spread the word using #Play4Peace and #Concert4Cooperation

Find out more about getting involved in the project here.

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Carrying American soldiers to fight alongside the Allies, HMS Otranto sank on 6 October 1918 near Machir Bay, on the west coast of the island, after a collision with HMS Kashmir. Around 500 men – US soldiers and British crew members – were thrown into the water, of whom only 19 survived. The tragedy came just eight months after the SS Tuscania was torpedoed near the island, with around 200 men perishing. On both occasions the people of Islay rescued and cared for the survivors and respectfully buried the dead.

A day of commemoration was organised by the local community to mark the centenary of the Otranto sinking, starting with a ceremony will led by The Rev. Valerie Watson at the Commomwealth War Graves Commission cemetery at Kilchoman, where the Otranto dead were buried. Although the US dead were later reinterred at American cemeteries, many of the British crew remain at the cemetery, including Captain Ernest Davidson of the Otranto.

His grandson Nick Hide who attended commented: “When you think what these Islay families went through having to bring those bodies ashore and bury them with dignity – it didn’t just happen over one day, but went on for weeks. It’s an amazing story and that’s what I think is remarkable about Islay.”

Lord George Robertson of Port Ellen, the Islay-born former UK Defence Minister and Secretary General of NATO, also paid tribute to the dead, and to the islanders who did so much for the survivors.  Lord Robertson is the grandson of Malcolm MacNeill, the police sergeant, who led the efforts of the islanders.

He commented: “My maternal grandfather, Malcolm MacNeill, had the distressing job of reporting what had happened and attempting to identify the bodies, noting any distinguishing marks that could help identify the drowned men. There were so many bodies that their descriptions filled 81 pages in his notebook.

“When they were finally buried, it fell to my grandfather to correspond with the families in the United States who were desperate to know more about the fate of their loved ones. They wrote with information which they hoped could be used to identify the bodies of their sons, husbands or brothers, and in an extraordinary example of compassionate public service, my grandfather replied to each letter, providing what information he could.”

Jenni Minto, Chair of WW100 Islay, said “One hundred years ago the people of Islay were faced with the horrors of war arriving on their shores for the second time that year.  Again they worked with compassion and humanity to ensure those who survived the Otranto tragedy were cared for as though they were their own, and those who sadly died were buried with dignity and respect.  Today we paid tribute to those selfless acts and remember those who were lost.”

After the service, Kilchoman Distillery hosted a gathering where descendants of victims, survivors and Islay’s rescuers were be able to connect. Anthony Wills, founder and Managing Director of Kilchoman Distillery, presented a cheque for over £16,000 – raised from the sale of a vintage cask of Kilchoman whisky – to the WW100 Islay Legacy Fund.

Anthony commented “Kilchoman Distillery is delighted to make this donation to the legacy fund so future generations remember the tragic sinking of the Otranto and the bravery of locals who went to the aid of the US soldiers on board and the British crew”

The Islay Quilters also handed over a hand-sewn Stars and Stripes flag to Lord George Robertson of Port Ellen for onward presentation to US Ambassador Woody Johnson. The gesture is in tribute to the five islanders who worked overnight to produce a US flag so that the Tuscania dead could have it flown at their funerals.

Marian Senior of the Islay Quilters commented: “A hundred years on, it has been a privilege to follow in the footsteps of the Islay women who sewed a flag overnight so that American soldiers could be buried with honour under their own banner”.

Local choir Coisir Og Ile sang Tuireadh nan Treun (Lament for the Brave), and Ella Edgar’s Highland Dancers performed their specially choreographed dance in memory of the events 100 years ago.

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The coach has been meticulously restored by The Great Central Railway Rolling Stock Trust, based in Nottingham, and dedicated to the 7^th (Leith) Battalion, The Royal Scots, of which 498 members were on their way to Liverpool to embark for Gallipoli when their train was involved in a collision near Gretna.  The wooden carriages were lit by gas lamps, resulting in a fire which spread rapidly through the train, killing 216 soldiers. The incident remains the worst crash for fatalities in the history of Britain’s railway and was remembered as part of Scotland’s commemorative programme for the centenary of World War One.

The carriage will be on display on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 November in front of The Malmaison Hotel on The Shore, and will be open to visitors from 10am to 4.00 pm. The visit from the carriage is among a series of events taking place in Leith to mark the Armistice Centenary.

Local historian Andrew Grant will put on an exhibition on ‘Leith’s War’ in Leith Public Library, including a lecture on Thursday 8^th November at 2pm, with more information available by contacting the library.  Further lectures will take place in The Malmaison Hotel at 3.30pm on Saturday 10 November and at 3pm on Sunday 11 November, Armistice Day itself. Tickets for these lectures will be available from 9 November at the carriage display in Tower Plaza.

An open air Service of Commemoration of the Armistice for Leith, attended by The Lord Provost, will take place at 2pm on Saturday 10 November outside the Malmaison Hotel, conducted by The Revd Iain May, Minister of South Leith Parish Church, and supported by the church choir and the Lowland Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland. All Leithers and others are most welcome to attend.

By the end of the War it is estimated that 14,200 Leith men had joined the Services. Other men and women were engaged in war work, many of the latter replacing men in jobs formerly assumed not ‘women’s work’. Some 2,700 Leithers were killed and many, many more wounded, often very seriously with loss of limbs. By 11 November 1918 when the Armistice was declared and the guns fell silent, there was a mixture of sadness and relief in Leith, sadness for the loss of life but relief that the war was over and, whilst recognising that life could never go back to what it had been, there was also a sense of joy for the final victory despite all the odds.

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This will be a symbolic way to give thanks for the end of war 100 years ago and will replicate the national outpouring of relief that took place at the end of the war as news of the Armistice filtered through and bells which had long been silent rang out.

Bells ringing out at 12.30 will help mark the shift in emphasis from Remembrance in the morning to thanksgiving in the afternoon for the end of war and for peace. This will coincide with the start of the People’s Procession, as 10,000 members of the public march past the Cenotaph in a nation’s thank you.

If you have plans to mark this historic occasion, you are also encouraged to add it to the webmap here.

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Phyllis Logan and David Robb of Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones’ James Cosmo, folk singer and TV presenter Isla St Clair, and Radio 4’s Gordon Kennedy will lead a special performance entitled “Feeding the Fifty Thousand” taking place at St Columba’s Church of Scotland in London on Saturday 20^th October to mark the centenary of the Armistice.

In 1918, the church, located in Knightsbridge, provided hospitality to 50,000 Scottish troops returning from the trenches and going back to the front after leave. Most had never been to London before and had to wait 18 hours or more for connecting trains to Scotland.  Church members looked out for soldiers at stations and took them back to the church for a wash, hot meals, entertainment and often room to sleep overnight.

The work of St Columba’s became widely known throughout Scottish regiments at the front and amongst grateful families of soldiers who had been looked after.  Details of this remarkable effort only recently emerged after analysis of church magazines and archives.

James Cosmo, who plays Jeor Mormont in Game of Thrones commented:

“The Centenary of the Armistice will be an important time to reflect on the tragic losses in the First World War. I am pleased to take part in this performance to mark the contribution of Scottish soldiers and the work of church volunteers to care for them.”

David Robb, who plays Downton Abbey’s Dr Clarkson said:

“Both of my grandfathers were WW1 men. Both were wounded but survived the war and I treasure my childhood memories of them, my Scots Grandpa and my English Grandad. As an Anglo-Scot with a lifelong interest in military history I feel privileged to be part of what feels like a family commemoration.”

Revd Angus MacLeod, minister at St Columba’s, added:

“The story of the wartime hospitality is such a remarkable one – amusing, poignant and inspiring – and we have always wanted to share it beyond our own walls”.

Revd MacLeod was one of the founders of the “Scots in Great War London” initiative, bringing together two Church of Scotland churches in London and eight other organisations including the Caledonian Club, the London Scottish regiment and London Scottish FC. HRH The Princess Royal is the Patron of the group. A commemorative book has been published and a series of events is planned for the autumn.

Rev MacLeod added that the “Feeding the Fifty Thousand” performances will be a “memorable and unique honouring those who have prayed and served here before us”.  They will take place at 3pm and 7.30pm at St Columba’s, Pont Street, Knightsbridge on Saturday October 20th. Tickets are available here or by emailing events@stcolumbas.org.uk. All proceeds will go to Poppyscotland.

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Whilst earlier in the day Services of Remembrance will have been held across the country, as we remember the fallen of World War One and all conflicts since, in Glasgow Cathedral our thoughts will turn to reflecting on that first Armistice 100 years ago and to the many emotions felt as the guns fell silent:

• Sadness & Relief:
  sadness for the loss of life but relief that war was near an end

• Joy & Victory:
  joy of returning home from war and for the sense of victory despite all the odds

• Seeds of Change:
  life could never be the same again

• Courage for the Future:
  in uncertain times, hold on to values and to hope

World War One had an impact on all generations and it is hoped the Service will reflect this by being multi-generational.

Those interested in applying should return the below form to ScottishCommemorationsPanel@gov.scot by Friday 12 October 2018.

Invitation to apply for seats at Glasgow Cathedral – Schools.

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The group will visit the Ypres from 17 -21 September, to mark the 100^th anniversary of the final year of the war, visiting the where the soldiers of the KOSB laid down their lives as well as their graves and memorials.

They will also lay a wreath at the specially commissioned memorial bronze plaque, unveiled in 2017, at the Frezenberg Redoubt, to all 7053 Borderers, who died in WW1 , and will be the main wreath laying party at the Menin Gate Last Post ceremony on Thursday 20 September.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Andy Middlemiss, a former career officer in the KOSB and one of the trip’s organisers, said: “Everyone associates 1918 with just the Armistice, but it was a very hard fought year, beginning with the massive German Spring Offensive, which rocked the Allies to the core. Then the 100 Days Campaign kicked off with the hugely successful battle of Amiens in August, and we never really looked back after that.

“The courage and sacrifice of all troops who fell in the conflict must be honoured. We want to stand on the actual spot, where our forebears fell in such terrible numbers, and we want to commemorate their memory on this trip.”

Peter Walton, Secretary of the KOSB Association, added: “We have been waiting for this trip for some time now, with real anticipation, after our last three wonderful visits to Gallipoli, The Somme and Passchendaele.

“For us to walk precisely in the footsteps of the 1918 Jocks, and see where 23 year old Sergeant McGuffie won his VC, where Private Lambie – our 18 year old Last To Fall, on 31 October 1918 – is buried, is going to be incredibly special. We must learn from what happened, we want to honour our forebears, and most importantly, we must talk about it in the future.”

After eleven months hard fighting, with appalling casualties, both from disease – Spanish flu was rife on both sides – and combat, the war was won. Hundreds of thousands on both sides paid the ultimate price in 1918  with their lives.

For Ian Domingo of Dumfries, whose grandfather fell with the KOSB at Gallipoli in 1915, this pilgrimage will be a powerful tribute to those who fell. He commented: “It is important to remember that these men of the KOSB, and thousands of others on both sides, showed incredibly bravery in terrible conditions.” he said “So, the conclusion of our trip will be a small ceremony at the KOSB  name panels, at the huge Tyne Cot Cemetery, with a piper, prayers from Padre Bob Higham, and readings.”

Travelling furthest will be Campbell Sutherland, who with his wife Pam, will come all the way from New Zealand to join the party. His great uncle was in the 4^th KOSB in WW1,while three others served in the Royal Scots and one in the Scots Guards. He emigrated to New Zealand from Edinburgh at eight, and went on to serve with the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

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