Скачать или смотреть Scotland's plans to commemorate WW1 Centenary

More than 8,000 people from all parts of Scotland will come together on August 10 to commemorate the outbreak of the First World War with a drumhead service at Edinburgh Castle, it was announced today.

The multi-faith service on the castle esplanade will replicate those held on the front line 100 years ago where neatly piled drums were used in place of an altar. Members of the public from every local authority area in Scotland will be invited to form the congregation along with representatives of the military, veterans groups, charities and civic leaders.

Following the service, military bands will parade down the Royal Mile and the congregation will be invited to follow in a procession to Holyrood Park, where they will find a replica Commonwealth war graves cemetery. There will be more than a hundred headstones to represent the names recorded in the Rolls of Honour at the Scottish National War Memorial. Those gathered in the park will be invited to lay wreaths or markers to reflect the sacrifice made by so many.

The event will mark the start of the Scottish commemorations programme which will remember eight events from World War One that had a significant impact on Scotland. They include the start and end of the war, major battles including Jutland and Gallipoli and domestic incidents such as the Quintinshill rail disaster and the loss of HMY Iolaire.

The drumhead service and procession will follow events happening in Glasgow as part of the UK commemorations programme on August 4 - the 100th anniversary of the date Britain entered the war. A Commonwealth-themed service at Glasgow Cathedral and a Cenotaph service will be held in the city on that date.

During a visit to the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle today, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, said:

"The First World War claimed the lives of more than 100,000 Scots and left many more injured or disabled, forcing families and communities across the country to come to terms with the devastating consequences.

"Throughout the centenary period we will encourage people of all ages across Scotland to recognise the significant and broad impact the First World War had on our nation and its people, and to reflect on its lasting social and civic legacy.