People should mark day ‘in their own way’

A Legion Scotland official in Dundee says there is nothing stopping people from marking Remembrance Day “in their own way”.

Frank Smith, secretary and treasurer of the City of Dundee branch of Legion Scotland, said people can still mark the day at home.

He said: “It makes sense because under normal circumstances there is a great parade marching down from the High School to City Square and everyone is shoulder-to-shoulder.

“But with this going on, you have to stick to the rules and stay safe.

“Some years ago we discovered two Victoria Cross holders buried in paupers ’ graves in Eastern Cemetery and, every year after the Remembrance Day parade, a little group of us go and lay a wreath there.

“This year there will be five of us involved but we are not allowed spectators.

“I have some other wreaths to lay in the Garden of Remembrance and outside the City Churches, and there is nothing to stop people coming along and putting their own wreaths down later on when there is not a crowd.”

Both Dundee City Council and Angus Council have confirmed their usual Remembrance Day events have been called off.

A spokesman for Dundee City Council said: “Residents are asked to pay their respects at home this year for Remembrance Sunday in order to adhere to the national guidance to prevent the spread of coronavirus.”

A spokesman for Angus Council said: “There will be wreathlaying ceremonies in Arbroath, Brechin, Carnoustie, For far, Kirriemuir, Monifieth and Montrose.”