Scott Monument lit up red in poppy tribute

ONE of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks has been lit up in poppy red in tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War.
Tthe Scott Monument bathed in red light. Picture: Toby WilliamsTthe Scott Monument bathed in red light. Picture: Toby Williams
Tthe Scott Monument bathed in red light. Picture: Toby Williams

The Scott Monument will be illuminated until Remembrance Day as part of a range of commemorations taking place in the Capital to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the conflict.

Thousands are expected to gather at the Hearts War Memorial at Haymarket tomorrow, while a wreath-laying ceremony at the Stone of Remembrance on the Royal Mile will also take place. Pupils at Boroughmuir High School have also paid their respects, creating a poppy field inspired by the highly acclaimed display at the Tower of London.

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The art class project involved 60 pupils hand-making, painting and naming a clay poppy for each of the school’s 166 former pupils and staff that died in the Great War.

Boroughmuir pupils carry clay poppies they made for each of the former pupils and staff who died in the Great War. Picture: Neil HannaBoroughmuir pupils carry clay poppies they made for each of the former pupils and staff who died in the Great War. Picture: Neil Hanna
Boroughmuir pupils carry clay poppies they made for each of the former pupils and staff who died in the Great War. Picture: Neil Hanna

The Scott Monument display forms a glowing backdrop to Legion Scotland’s Garden of Remembrance and PoppyScotland’s Field of Remembrance in Princes Street Gardens.

It is the first time the Victorian Gothic monument has been bathed in light to honour fallen soliders from the Great War, with the unprecedented move agreed to mark the centenary of the conflict.

Lord Provost Donald Wilson called on residents to pay their respects and remember Edinburgh’s war dead.

He said: “On Remembrance Sunday, people the length and breadth of Scotland will pay tribute to all those who have fought and died in order to keep this country safe. I urge local people from the city to join if they can, and show Edinburgh’s united gratitude and appreciation for the enormous sacrifices that have been made – and continue to be made every day on our behalf – by courageous men and women.”

The charity Poppyscotland, which supports ex-military personnel, praised Edinburgh’s decision to mark the centenary with a poignant illumination of the world’s largest monument to a writer.

Head of fundraising Colin Flinn said: “It will help to raise awareness of the Scottish Poppy Appeal and the work that we do in support of the armed forces community during this important period.”

Police cordons are set to be in place from 9am tomorrow on Morrison Street, and at the junction with Dalry Road, as around 2000 spectators gather at the Hearts War Memorial.

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The service will be led by club chaplain Andy Prime and attended by the Hearts first team, coaching staff and board members.

The Stone of Remembrance ceremony will take place at 11am, followed by a service at St Giles’ Cathedral at 11.30am.

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