Veterans have paid tribute to pals they have lost in Glasgow saying “you never get used to losing people”.

Crowds gathered in George Square this morning to remember those who gave their lives in the Armed Forces.

This included 66-year-old Stewart Cameron Ward from Barmulloch and Billy Bootland, 66, from East Kilbride who became friends in the army as teenagers.

They paid their respects as the Glasgow Garden of Remembrance was opened and took part in laying wreaths down for fellow comrades.

Stewart Cameron Ward and Billy BootlandStewart Cameron Ward and Billy Bootland (Image: Newsquest)

The garden was opened in George SquareThe garden was opened in George Square (Image: Newsquest)

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Speaking to the Glasgow Times Stewart explained: “We have a couple friends we are missing today, this event is about laying the wreaths and crosses in the Remembrance Garden for them.

“Every soldier will tell you that when you make friends in the army that is it for life “The whole regiment mourns when you lose someone, it doesn’t matter if you know them personally or if they even served the same time as you did, it is family.

“You never get used to losing people. Over time you expect it but it is still really difficult.”

Billy added: “We came today as an act of remembrance, we wanted to pay respect to our fellow comrades and remember old friends that have passed.

“We have army friends everywhere, down in England and Wales too, you might not see them for years but when you do it feels like yesterday.”

The service paid respects to those who have diedThe service paid respects to those who have died (Image: Getty)

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The Garden features hundreds of poppy crosses and other remembrance symbols with personal dedications by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland supporters from across the west of Scotland.

Senior Armed Forces personnel joined Bailie Thomas Kerr, representing Jacqueline McLaren, the Right Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Glasgow to pay tribute at the opening of the space.

They honoured the sacrifices made by servicemen and women past and present at the ceremony.

Veteran Ronald Johnston, 70, travelled up from Prestwick with his wife Margaret Johnston to pay their respects.

Ronald Johnston and his wife Margaret JohnstonRonald Johnston and his wife Margaret Johnston (Image: Newsquest) He said: “We lose people all the time, it is just one of those things being a soldier you do lose friends. We have got to try and remember them all the time.

“I like to do my bit for the veterans, we gather as many as possible to bring us all together.”

Margaret said: “Ronald went to the Gulf war on our youngest daughter's 10th birthday, and fortunately he came back.

“It was scary when he was away but he had to just get on with it, all the wives in the regiment stuck together and became family.

“It is really important for us to show up and give our respects.”

Tributes for the armed forces were read out to the crowdTributes for the armed forces were read out to the crowd (Image: Getty)

The official opening coincides with the start of the Scottish Poppy Appeal this week, with volunteer collectors hitting the streets and supermarkets throughout Glasgow and beyond.

Dr Claire Armstrong, CEO of Legion Scotland, 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.”