Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day will be commemorated across Highland but in different ways than usual because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Following the latest Scottish Government guidance (external link) on commemorative events, Highland Council will not be organising any parades, events or services taking place on Remembrance Sunday, 8 November 2020 or Armistice Day, Wednesday 11 November 2020. 

Instead, locals, residents and veterans will be encouraged to pay their respects at home, by observing the national 2-minute silence and to donate to the Poppy Scotland appeal if they so wish at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/ 

Highland Council understands the need and desire of people who wish to pay their respects for our Armed Forces communities past and present, but sadly coronavirus does not permit the means for safe public gatherings. 

The Council is asking people to continue to follow Scottish Government guidance and to avoid crowded places and to keep safe and 'remember at home'.

We are immensely proud of our Armed Forces past and present and recognise the huge amount of work that the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal raises for veterans, so we would encourage people to donate online if they can and to show their respects at home observing the two-minute silence. 

We must protect and support our National Health Service also and the best way to do this is to fight coronavirus by removing the opportunity for its spread. It is for these reasons that the council is encouraging people to commemorate the Remembrance at home. 

The health and wellbeing of residents and veterans is paramount. 

Everyone will have the opportunity to pay their respects, from the safety of their living rooms or on their doorsteps, as Highland comes together to reflect and remember on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. 

'We will remember them.'