War Centenary Marked In Glasgow

4 August 2014, 06:00

The centenary of Britain's entry into the First World War will also be marked with a national event in Glasgow, including a service remembering the Commonwealth's contribution, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the city's cenotaph.

The Glasgow commemorations will start with a special service at the city's cathedral featuring a Commonwealth theme to reflect its contribution to the war.

The service, led by the Reverend Dr Laurence Whitley, will be attended by the Duke of Rothesay, and senior politicians from across the Britain and Ireland.

It will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph in George Square.

Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Sadie Docherty, said: ``Glasgow is very proud to be playing a major role in the First World War centenary commemorations.

'Many politicians from across the Commonwealth, who have been in the city for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony, have taken up our invitation to stay on for Monday's commemorations.

'I am delighted at the prospect of our Commonwealth cousins joining me, and the rest of Glasgow, on this important day of remembrance.'

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond will be at the service and will later lay a wreath at the cenotaph on behalf of the people of Scotland.

Mr Salmond said: 'No home, no school, no community in Scotland was left untouched by the devastating impact of the Great War, which remains one of the most brutal conflicts the world has ever seen.

'Between 1914 and 1918, the First World War claimed the lives of around 145,000 Scots, leaving many more thousands injured or disabled and forcing friends and loved ones across the country to come to terms with the terrible consequences.

'As the curtain falls on 2014 Commonwealth Games, we acknowledge the countries of the Commonwealth we fought alongside during the Great War and it is fitting that this service in Glasgow Cathedral should focus on the contribution of these nations.'

He added: 'From now until the start of 2019, we want people of all ages from all corners of Scotland, and those with Scottish connections around the world, to ask themselves and each other what can be learned from the Great War.

'Our journey of commemoration starts today in Glasgow with the Commonwealth-themed service at Glasgow Cathedral and Cenotaph as part of the UK Commemorations Programme, and it will continue on August 10 when we start the Scottish Commemorations Programme with a Drumhead Service, procession and memorial in Edinburgh.'

Mr Salmond also highlighted Legion Scotland's Voice of Veterans campaign to help preserve stories of military life.

'I would encourage everyone who remembers hearing stories from those who experienced life during the Great War to contact Legion Scotland to be a part of this important project,' he said.

A newspaper inspired by the historic Wipers Times created by First World War soldiers has been recreated to mark the centenary of the war.

The Flanders Fields Post newspaper is published as a one-off today and distributed in Glasgow, London and Manchester, to commemorate 100 years since Britain joined the First World War.

The publication is inspired by the famous Wipers Times - the original trench newspaper produced by frontline soldiers during the Great War.