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Ellon marks 75 years since VE Day


By Kirsty Brown

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Some careful planning from Ellon Legion meant that the town was still able to take part in the VE Day commemorations on Friday, May 8.

2020 marked 75 years since the end of World War 2, also known as Victory in Europe or VE Day, and various events had been planned across the UK which were forced to be cancelled or postponed as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

A number of 'virtual' events were organised which people could join online from the safety of their own homes, including services, silences and celebrations.

At Ellon War Memorial were Elaine Strachan, Gavin Cantlay and George Bowman. PIcture: Phil Harman
At Ellon War Memorial were Elaine Strachan, Gavin Cantlay and George Bowman. PIcture: Phil Harman

A small party from Ellon Legion paid their respects at Ellon's War Memorial on Friday afternoon, following social distancing guidelines.

Pipe major Elaine Strachan and pipe sergeant Gavin Cantlay - both of Ellon RBL Pipe Band - piped in the end of the war at 3pm, the time that Winston Churchill announced to the nation that the war was over.

They were accompanied by standard bearer George Bowman.

Laying a wreath at the memorial was Major Malcolm Ross. Picture: Phil Harman
Laying a wreath at the memorial was Major Malcolm Ross. Picture: Phil Harman

Earlier in the day, to coincide with a service hosted by Royal British Legion and Legion Scotland and a silence of remembrance across the nation, a short service and wreath laying took place at the memorial.

Local veteran Major Malcolm Ross - an ex-Gordon Highlander - laid a wreath in memory of the fallen soldiers of the war and was joined by a handful of other local veterans as well as Mr Bowman as standard bearer and Mr Cantlay on the pipes.

To ensure that the community could still be part of the day's events from a safe distance the Legion used their Facebook page to stream into houses across the area.


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