Changes to Remembrance events in Moray and Banffshire

Remembrance events in Moray and Banffshire will be greatly reduced this year due to pandemic restrictions.

Under the Scottish Government Strategic Framework outdoor standing events are not permitted.

This means that traditional remembrance services and parades at outdoor war memorials will not now go ahead.

However, wreaths will be privately laid at memorials by members of the Lord Lieutenancy and Moray Council and other organisations.

Tributes will be laid between 9am and 4pm on Sunday, generally at 15-minute intervals to avoid creating a crowd.

Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland are encouraging alternative arrangements to be made for marking remembrance this year.

These include encouraging residents to take to their doorsteps at 11am to mark the two-minute silence.

Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Maj Gen Seymour Monro, said although the restrictions have scuppered the traditional gatherings and services, the nation will remember.

He added: "It is our duty and debt to take the time and pay tribute to our armed forces, past and present.

"I am glad that all indoor church services will go ahead as planned, and that all wreaths will be laid at all our war memorials – albeit in a different way.

"I’m sure everyone will want to mark the occasion in their own way, but I would urge a great effort to support Poppy Scotland’s fund-raising in these difficult times.

"The charity does so much to support veterans and their families, and the scrapping of normal arrangements for events this year has the potential to affect their fundraising efforts.

"Please donate if you can."

Details of fund-raising plans by Poppy Scotland are on their website here

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