Key dates for your 2025 diary

In a few short weeks, fireworks will light up the skies over Scotland and a new year will begin. We say it every year, but 2025 looks to be a busy one for the Armed Forces and veterans communities. The month of May will mark 80 years since VE Day, with the VJ Day anniversary following a few months later.

Here are just a few of the key dates for your calendars, with more to follow soon.

January

Join us at Edinburgh Castle for the Field Marshal Earl Haig Dedication at the Scottish National War Memorial on 29 January at 9am. This annual service honours and commemorates the founder of the Royal British Legion Scotland. It includes the laying of wreaths on behalf of Legion Scotland, Poppyscotland, Officers Association Scotland and the Lady Haig Poppy Factory.

April

ANZAC and Gallipoli services take place on 25 April. The Edinburgh Dawn Service is conducted at 5am at Comely Bank Cemetery, while the Glasgow Dawn Service occurs at the same time at Western Necropolis. A Day Service follows at the Scottish National War Memorial, in Edinburgh Castle, at 11am. A select number of tickets are made available to the public from the Castle Esplanade, although this is done on a first come, first served basis.

May

On 6 May, the Royal British Legion Scotland in partnership with Poppyscotland will host Scotland’s Salute to VE Day 80. More information will be issued in due course, but for now, we can say that the event will take place at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh, and tickets are already available to buy through the venue. Major (Retd) Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, known to many as the voice of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, will narrate the proceedings.

Later in the month, our Annual Conference will take place in Banchory. Running from 23-24 May, this will be an important event to shape the future of the organisation.

June

Late June brings Armed Forces Day, with events planned across the nation. The City of Edinburgh kickstarts its proceedings with a flag raising on 23 June, at City Chambers, and we will once again be involved in the main Edinburgh event on 28 June.

Later in the year

Remembrancetide begins with the opening of our Gardens of Remembrance. Inverness is due to open on 17 October, followed by Edinburgh (20th) and Glasgow (21st). The Angus, Perthshire & Fife Festival of Remembrance is slated for 1 November.