Commemorating 100 years since the First World War
At 3pm on the 10 November 2018, the Memorial Candle will be taken in procession from Inverness Cathedral and returned to the Old High Church to mark the end of the hostilities of the First World War. At 3:30pm the reverend, Peter Nimmo will conduct a special service of commemoration at the Old High Church after the procession.
The Council invites the public to come and view or follow the parade and/or to attend the Old High Church service.
The Saturday afternoon prior to Armistice Day was chosen for this event so that anyone can attend both the Highland-wide commemoration and their local remembrance services the following day.
The Council will also be supporting the nationwide series of commemorative activities collectively called ‘When the Battle’s O’er’, which will commence at dawn on the morning of November 11. There will be a special gathering of pipers at the Inverness Castle Esplanade who will play the tune ‘When the Battle’s O’er’, at 6am which will coincide with pipers playing the same tune across the whole of the world beginning at New Zealand twelve hours earlier.
A number of remembrance parades will be held on November 11 across the Highlands.
The Inverness parade will commence at Ness Bridge at 10:45am and a minute’s silence will take place.
In addition, all Highland schools have been asked to make poppies to commemorate the 100 years since the Armistice and the intention is to bring groups of these together in a central location in Inverness as a Highland-wide display of remembrance – inspired by the amazing display that was achieved by Culloden Academy pupils last year.
The 11th of November will mark 100 years since the First World War Armistice. Since 2014, the people of the Highlands have made it a tradition to carry the specially commissioned memorial candle through Inverness for a special service named the ‘Return to Light’ as a way to honour and remember those who served in the war.
Councillor Roddy Balfour, Highland Councils armed forces and veterans champion said, “This is an important time for Highland communities to come together and remember the many thousands who risked their lives in the First World War. It is a time to reflect on the brutality of war and to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is important to remember those who suffered from carrying both the physical and mental scars of war. We should also think of the many families that were left behind and who lost their loved ones. I would like to encourage as many people as possible to take part in the range of commemorative activities being promoted this year.”
The Convener of Highland Council, Councillor Bill Lobban added “In this year as we commemorate the ending of the War to End All Wars, it is important that we remember all those from across these one hundred years, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of freedom. We must never forget.”
To find out more about the commemorative activities of Armistice please visit: https://www.brunopeek.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Battle%E2%80%99s-Over-Guide.pdf
Or visit the Council’s online events calendar: https://www.highland.gov.uk/events