About 1,000 people, including descendants of those who died, have attended a service to commemorate Britain's worst rail disaster.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Princess Anne were among those gathered at Rosebank Cemetery in Edinburgh to remember the people who perished in the Quintinshill crash, near Gretna on the border, 100 years ago.

The disaster claimed the lives of more than 200 troops, most of whom came from the Leith, Portobello and Musselburgh areas surrounding the Scottish capital. The troops were on their way to Liverpool, where they were due to sail to the frontline of the war in Gallipoli.

Several of the relatives of those who died had travelled from overseas to attend the service at the place where many of the soldiers are now buried.

It was early in the morning of May 22 1915 when a train packed with First World War troops travelling from Larbert, Stirlingshire, collided with a local passenger service.

A Glasgow-bound express train then smashed into the wreckage at the Quintinshill signal box, setting off a devastating fire which engulfed the troop train, packed with nearly 500 members of the Leith Battalion of the Royal Scots.

At least 214 soldiers of all ranks and 12 civilians were killed. Another 246 people were injured.

Royalty, politicians, military veterans and relatives of the victims also marked the anniversary with a special service in Gretna yesterday.