Remembrance Day Parade in Kirkwall

The annual Remembrance Day Parade is going ahead on Sunday (14 November) in Kirkwall.

Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day commemorations will start at 10.30am outside the Kirkwall Royal British Legion with those participating marching up to Broad Street. A service will be held on the Kirk Green by Lieutenant John Mitchison of the of the Salvation Army and wreaths will be laid at the Kirkwall and St Ola War Memorial by Orkney Islands Council Convener Harvey Johnston and Lord Lieutenant Elaine Grieve, among others.

Social distancing will be practised by all involved and communities are reminded of the ongoing Covid situation in Orkney at the moment so to take extra care.

The parade will not enter St Magnus Cathedral this year due to the pandemic and restricted numbers allowed within.

Following the Kirk Green service, the parade with march up Palace Road , turn around at the Earl’s Palace gates and march back down Palace Road, along Broad Street where they will take the salute as they pass the War Memorial and then return to the Kirkwall Legion.

The event this year will be around one hour shorter than usual.

Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

We remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those that have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism.

Harvey Johnston, who is laying a wreath on behalf of the OIC and the people of Orkney, said: “We will never forget the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives and those who returned home changed. We must also reflect on their families and friends and how this impacted on them.

“The return of the parade is welcome, but we must all be mindful of the ongoing high level of transmission across Orkney and adhere to the mitigating measures in place to keep everyone safe; social distancing, wearing of face coverings, hand washing and sanitising.”

Poppy collecting tins are available for donations in participating outlets across Orkney, however folk are asked to continue with their generosity in donating to the Poppy Scotland Appeal if they so wish at www.poppyscotland.org.uk which will go towards raising vital funds to assist veterans.