The programme of events to commemorate this year's Veterans Day in Scotland has been announced at Stirling Castle today, Monday 2 June 2008.

At the castle, Stirling Provost Fergus Wood, and Veterans Scotland Chairman Ron Smith announced the events that will take place, and they were joined by veterans of different military conflicts, local school children, veterans' charities, and serving soldiers.

Stirling will be the focus of Veterans Day in Scotland this year, but other events will take place across the country in Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Kelso, East Kilbride, and Livingston (see below and here for more details).

Stirling Council has arranged two weeks of celebrations, culminating on Saturday 12 July with the Army's Pipers' Trail procession. This will include a parade of pipers, bands and veterans through the city, a RAF Tornado flypast and a Family Tattoo with a whole host of displays and activities.

Stirling will also premiere the UK's first ever Veterans Film Festival for all ages, showing well-loved classics and modern takes on current conflicts, from heroism to comedy and satire, including: The Dam Busters, The Longest Day, Chicken Run, ‘Chronicles of Narnia,’ Stop-Loss and the film of the play Black Watch. There'll also be audience discussions with the real life heroes of the films.

Veterans Day is an annual commemoration of all veterans living in our communities, to honour and recognise their contribution, past and present. There are about half a million veterans living in Scotland. Along with their children and other 'dependents', this brings the Scottish veterans community to over a million – that's one in five of the population.

Scotland and its people played significant roles throughout various conflicts, and many sacrificed their lives. We must all continue to remember and pay tribute to them.

Stirling Provost Fergus Wood

The Provost said:

‘We're very excited that Stirling is spearheading Veterans Day in Scotland, and have arranged a full programme to highlight why our veterans are so special, and deserve our thanks and support.

‘I do hope that people of all ages throughout Stirling and the rest of the country will join in the commemorations. Scotland and its people played significant roles throughout various conflicts, and many sacrificed their lives. We must all continue to remember and pay tribute to them."

Defence Secretary Des Browne will attend the event on 12 July. He added:

‘Anyone who has served in the UK Armed Forces, Regular and Reserves, is a veteran, whatever their age or military experience – young and old, male and female. They have selflessly risked their lives to serve their country and fight for peace, and for that, veterans deserve our respect and recognition.

‘In addition to their service to the nation, veterans have acquired skills, experiences and values that benefit our society and economy. They are valued members of Scotland's communities, and younger generations can take inspiration from their courage, strength, bravery, fortitude and spirit. We can all learn a great deal from them.'

The MOD works in partnership with the Scottish Government, plus a range of charities and agencies, to offer help and advice for the minority of veterans who need support. Veterans Scotland plays a crucial role in bringing these people together to focus on improving the lives of veterans, and represents 30 groups and charities.

Veterans Scotland Chairman Ron Smith said:

‘Those who serve in the Armed Forces work to provide a better world for us all, at home and abroad. But for those who suffer injuries and illnesses as a result of their service, life outside the forces can sometimes be tough. Improvements in care for Scottish veterans have been made recently, but more can be done, and all agencies are working together to make progress.

‘To ensure that progress continues, I would urge everyone in Scotland to get behind Veterans Day, attend one of the commemoration events around the country, or perhaps make a donation - whatever you can afford - to a Service charity.’

Other events taking place in Scotland to commemorate Veterans Day include:

• Aberdeen: veterans and military parade, badges presentation, Pipers' Trail
• Dundee: veterans and military parade, family gala day, badges presentation, Pipers' Trail
• Edinburgh: concert in Princes Street Gardens, parade of veterans and Armed Forces, badge presentation, grand finale of Pipers' Trail, reception for veterans at Scottish Parliament.
• Kelso: Concert, badge presentation, parade and service of reflection
• East Kilbride: Royal British Legion reception hosted by Adam Ingram MP (Ex Armed Forces Minister)
• Livingston: reception for veterans at Livingston football club hosted by MP Jim Devine