9 November 2015

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Scotland as part of Remembrance Sunday.

Ceremonies were held across Scotland to remember servicemen and women killed in conflict, and the First Minister lay the wreath at the Stone of Remembrance outside the City Chambers in Edinburgh.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon lays a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance, at City Chambers, Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/PFsEtSqLKt

— Press Association (@PA) November 8, 2015

FM Nicola Sturgeon laying a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance in Edin @STVNews https://t.co/tjjlO3mTaL

— Susan Ripoll (@SusanRipoll) November 8, 2015

After attending National Remembrance Service at St Giles Cathedral, she said:

“It’s hugely important that we take the time to come together and reflect on the sacrifice made by those who have fought for the country and have given their lives for the country in order that we can enjoy today the freedoms that we take for granted.

“This is the first Remembrance Sunday that I’ve laid the wreath as First Minister on behalf of the people of Scotland. That’s a huge privilege for me and one that I take extremely seriously.

“Right across Scotland and the UK today people at big services, but in smaller gatherings as well, in every community across the country will have taken the opportunity to remember, to reflect and to recall the gratitude that we owe so many.

“As each year passes there are fewer people now from the Second World War who are here to give direct testimony, so it’s important that we do take the opportunity to remind this generation and generations to come why this act of remembrance will be so important for many, many years to come.”

Earlier in the week, the First Minister met The Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP) advisers including veterans, Poppy Scotland representatives, and other partners ahead of the Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

ASAP was established in 2010 to be a focal point for those in the Armed Forces community in Scotland needing access to advice, information and support.