VE Day 80th anniversary marked by Highland residents and visitors at series of events, including Inverness riverside service at Cavell Gardens war memorial
VE Day’s 80th anniversary has been marked by events across the Highlands.
A host of commemorative ceremonies and events were held across the region and beyond to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2 in Europe. The occasion was particularly poignant, as it will likely be the last major anniversary where veterans of the conflict will still be able to attend.
In Inverness, around 150 to 200 people gathered at the Cavell Gardens war memorial on Thursday morning to mark the landmark date.
Dignitaries, wreath layers and members of the public gathered amid the spring blossom to pay their respects to those who fought.
A memorial service, followed by a two-minute silence, pipe playing and wreath laying, then took place as people paid their respects.
Shops, businesses and members of the public also observed a UK-wide two-minute silence at midday, while other events included a service of thanksgiving in Inverness Cathedral on Thursday evening, and memorial events in the likes of Croy, Cawdor and Nairn.
The Cavell Gardens memorial service was organised by the Inverness branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, and was one of many memorial events being held across the region and beyond.
The Legion’s Inverness branch also held a VE party at the British Legion Club in the city’s King Street on Thursday afternoon which included food and drink plus music by accordionist Ronnie Shaw.
Organisers were also hoping to screen some of the events marking the anniversary in other parts of the UK.
Meanwhile, Inverness Provost Glynis Campbell was in France on VE Day after accepting an invitation to mark the occasion at a service in the city’s twin town of St Valery En Caux. She attended the Normandy town’s own commemorative 80th events, which recalled the sacrifice of the 51st Highland Division in the defence and subsequent liberation of St Valery En Caux.
