A veterans’ charity is calling on ex-servicemen and women across Courier Country to share their memories to help commemorate those who served in the First World War.
Next year marks the centenary of the 1914-18 conflict and The Royal British Legion has launched the Voices of Veterans campaign to remember everyone who fought then and since.
The charity hopes veterans and their families will take part to help preserve stories passed down through generations.
Exhibitions will take place nationwide, featuring veterans’ stories, letters, photos and memorabilia as part of its commemoration of “the war to end all wars”.
Kevin Gray, chief executive of The Royal British Legion Scotland, said: “The campaign will give a voice to veterans, whether they left military service yesterday or 50-plus years ago.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to preserve stories often passed down through families,” he said.
“As the anniversary of the First World War approaches, growing numbers are tracing their family history.
“From then to present-day conflicts, all the acts of courage and stories people share will help us to reflect back on lives of our servicemen, women and their families.
“It will give us a chance to look at how military life has changed over the years,” he said.
The Scottish Government has a series of events planned to mark the anniversary next year and First Minister Alex Salmond is giving his backing to the British Legion campaign.
He said: “It’s fantastic to see the biggest veterans’ charity in Scotland launch the Voices of Veterans campaign to give people in Scotland a chance to learn about the people who have served in that conflict and wars since then.
“By connecting with life stories we must never forget, the campaign will provide a vital link to our past to help ensure lessons are learned and carried forward into future generations.”
The Royal British Legion Scotland was formed at the end of the First World War as ex-servicemen returned to Britain to find unemployment and starvation, many of them suffering from physical injury and trauma.
Today it is the largest ex-service charity in Scotland with 176 branches and more than 40,000 members.