The Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland are hosting a special concert to recognise and mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.
Scotland Salutes: VE80, is Scotland’s National VE event, takes place at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh on Tuesday 6 May 2025 (two days before VE Day) and will be a musical extravaganza that will focus on telling the events that lead to victory in Europe. Bringing the stories of those who were there to life and culminating in an act of remembrance.
Music and entertainment will be provided by The Band of HM Royal Marines, Scotland, The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Royal British Legion Scotland Dunfermline and District Pipes and Drums, Amy Hawthorn, The Military Wives Choirs’ Scotland, Solo Violinist Iona McDonald, Cammy Barnes, Nicholas Ralph, Sadie Addington and Anaïs Doppel.
The event will be narrated by Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, previously the voice of the world-renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with Broadcaster Mark Mckenzie from British Forces Broadcasting Service as the evenings compere.
Craig Cunningham, NHS Lanarkshire’s Armed Forces and Veteran’s Champion said:
“This fantastic event will help Scotland unite to pay tribute to the men and women, both serving and civilian, whose bravery ultimately led to the momentous Victory and the end of the war eighty years ago.
“NHS Lanarkshire is fully committed to the Armed Forces Covenant and exhibit this both in terms of delivery of health services for armed forces personnel and veterans as well as support for employment of our Reserves and veterans.
“We support our staff who have signed up as Reserves and have a range of HR policies in place for veterans, and Reserves as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
“In relation to provision of health services, NHS Lanarkshire and the two Health & Social Care Partnerships offer a dedicated pathway, Veterans First Point, for veterans and their families living in Lanarkshire who require psychological support/other mental health support.
“This service was designed by veterans, for veterans and their families, and is staffed by psychologists and veterans peer workers and offers advice and support when they need it most.
“Veterans First Point (VFP) is also there for veterans and their families who experience any issues moving from a life in the military to living as a civilian.
“Additionally, we also work with the Defence Medical Welfare Service who provide direct support for veterans in accessing other services which might assist the patient in their lives outwith the hospital environment for example home supports and respite breaks.”
Tickets for this commemorative event are now available for purchase through the Usher Hall booking office.
This charity event will help to support The Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland in their continued support of the Armed Forces community in Scotland. More about the works these charities carry out and be found at the following links:
The Royal British Legion Scotland
https://www.legionscotland.org.uk/
Poppyscotland
https://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/
