Garden of Remembrance opened with ceremony at George Square in Glasgow

Dozens gathered at 11am outside the City Chambers to witness tributes led by Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, and senior Armed Forces personnel from all three services.

They honoured sacrifices made by soldiers past and present at the ceremony, which coincided with the start of the Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Reverend Campbell, the national chaplain of the Royal British Legion Scotland, led a short service with readings by the Lord Provost and RA Beverstock, the president of Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland.

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Afterwards, wreaths were laid by Brigadier Andy Middiman, naval regional commander of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Lieutenant Colonel Andy Richards, and Air Commodore James Linter, veterans’ organisations, and the emergency services.

Music was played by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and a reception at the City Chambers was held after the ceremony.

From October 25, in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday on November 13, people are encouraged to wear a poppy and visit the Garden of Remembrance which is filled with poppy crosses and symbols with personal dedications by Poppyscotland supporters from across the west of Scotland.

Provost McLaren said: “The Garden of Remembrance ceremony is an important event in our calendar of remembrance activities - allowing everyone an opportunity to quietly reflect and demonstrate their gratitude for those who gave their lives in conflict to preserve our freedoms.

“It’s a matter of pride, as Lord Lieutenant, to be able to lay a wreath on behalf of the city, and pay my respects to our Armed Forces, past and present.

“Glasgow owes its military and veterans a great debt. I’m looking forward to meeting up with veterans, military and our friends from Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland.”

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Dr Claire Armstrong, chief executive of Legion Scotland, said: “This was a chance to come together and reflect on the extraordinary service and sacrifices of our Armed Forces over the years, as well as their families.

“From the First World War to more recent conflicts, it is essential that we honour those who gave their lives and show our gratitude to those who continue to serve.

“I hope that residents and visitors to Glasgow will take the chance to visit the garden over the next few weeks to reflect and pay their own tributes.”

The Scottish Poppy Appeal will see volunteers across the country raise money for the current Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.

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Austin Hardie, director of Poppyscotland, said: “Wearing your poppy shows serving personnel, veterans, and their families that their service means something to you and will never be forgotten.

“It shows our appreciation for those who are prepared to risk everything to protect us, despite never having met us.

“We’re also extremely grateful to our army of volunteers who will be out on the streets and in supermarkets across the city, no matter the weather, collecting for the Scottish Poppy Appeal.

“All funds raised will go towards our life-changing work, providing advice and welfare support to the Armed Forces community in Scotland. This is needed more than ever, as we are already seeing an increasing demand for our services due to the cost-of-living crisis.”