Opening ceremony

“It is 90 years today since the opening ceremony of the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle,” writes Patrick Anderson of Letham.

“King George V had made it a policy not to open any war memorials, so the ceremony was performed by the Prince of Wales and the King and Queen were its first visitors. The preparations were organised by the Duke of Atholl and assisted by General Sir William Peyton, the GOC Scotland, who had served with the duke at Gallipoli.

“Veterans and their relatives came from all over Scotland and the Commonwealth, many of the veterans being limbless or blind. As Crown Square at the castle is small, many were assembled on the Esplanade to witness the unfolding of the regimental colours and guidons of the cavalry regiments.

“The prince opened the building and a piper played ‘Flowers of the Forest’ and then the small party moved forward to the shrine where the cabinet, a gift from the King and Queen, was opened.

“The colonels of the regiments and services then laid their Rolls of Honour on the table beside the casket. The roll for the women’s services was carried by the Duchess of Atholl who wore the uniform of the Volantary Aid Detachment. Then the King and Queen and Princess Mary laid wreaths outside the memorial.

“It was a very poignant ceremony and there were many tears. After the main party had left, thousands made their way to the memorial, many carrying wreaths and posies of flowers which they laid in Crown Square.

“The Scottish National War Memorial was the vision of John George 8th Duke of Atholl (Marquis of Tullibardine), a serving soldier who had fought in the Sudan and had raised the Scottish Horse Yeomanry.”