A 98-year-old Fife war veteran will be raising a dram to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Catherine Drummond, of Dunfermline, had hoped to be in Edinburgh for the capital’s VE Day parade and concert on May 8 but community celebrations commemorating 75 years since the end of the Second World War have been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mrs Drummond, who was a radio operator in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force from 1941 to 1944, will instead be marking the occasion at home.
“I think it is such an honour for VE Day veterans and all those who lost their lives to be remembered on May 8, 75 years on,” she said.
“VE Day was a sad day for me personally after losing my husband, but I was very happy the war was over, and more so for all the brave men and women who survived the war and came home to their families.
“I was really looking forward to attending the VE Day celebrations in Edinburgh but, with the help of my daughter, I will be watching the virtual service of remembrance and the tribute concert instead, from the safety of my home.
“I intend to mark this great day by raising my glass of good old Scottish whisky to everyone and I thank all concerned for their hard work.”
Armed forces charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland worked with the Scottish Government to ensure that the 75th anniversary will be commemorated despite lockdown.
They have unveiled a series of “virtual” events and activities.
A virtual service of remembrance will take place on May 8, broadcast by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland on their respective Facebook pages at 10:40am. Following the service, there will be an hour-long virtual tribute featuring a range of performers that had been due to perform in Princes Street Gardens.
