Moray communities commemorate VE Day

Moray is celebrating VE Day in style as events across the area commemorate the end of World War II in Europe.

VE Day - or Victory in Europe Day - takes place on May 8 each year and marks the end of the war on European soil. The Japanese surrender in August marked the end of the war itself.

This year’s VE Day celebrations are particularly poignant as it is 80 years since the guns fell silent.

There was also a keenness to make up for the lack of events on the 75th anniversary - the majority of which were waylaid by the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to official ceremonies put on across Moray, schools, care homes and community groups have come together to celebrate - as well as remembering those who gave their all to protect the freedoms of future generations.

Events were taking place on Wednesday - including one at Spynie Kirk - but the majority of proceedings have been across today (May 8).

Today was marked with a commemorative flag-raising at Moray Council’s headquarters at 10am on May 8, which was attended by elected officials, serving personnel and veterans.

Several events throughout the day included one at the Scottish Women’s Land Army Memorial in Clochan, which was attended by Banffshire Lord-Lieutenant Andrew Simpson and Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson - who read a speech.

A big crowd turned out on The Plainstones in Elgin for a reflection at 2pm.

Flags will be raised above the Tolbooth in Forres at 6.30pm, with a beacon to be lit in Findhorn tonight.

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