HUNDREDS of people have attended services in Scotland and France in memory of the 18,000 Scots killed in the Battle of Arras on the centenary of the conflict.

Descendants of soldiers who died joined dignitaries, military personnel and veterans in a service at the National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle last night.

Earlier in the day relatives of those who died were joined by young people and dignitaries for the WW100 Scotland service led by the Rt Rev Dr Russell Barr, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church ofScotland, at Faubourg d’Amiens cemetery in Arras.

Among those gathered was cadet Melissa Rodger, 14, from Motherwell, whose great-great uncle, Private Samuel Rodger of the Cameron Highlanders, died in the fighting on May 3, 1917.

School pupils from Scotland and France also laid a wreath together on behalf of the UK, French, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and South African contingents who fought in the battle, which took place from April 9 to May 16, 1917.

Arras had the highest concentration of Scottish troops fighting in a single battle during the First World War – 44 of the 120 battalions that made up the 10 British assault divisions were Scottish.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who is in France for the commemorations, said: “Pupils representing every local authority in Scotland are in Arras this weekend to learn more about its impact.

“These young people are not much younger than many of those who fought in the battle, many of whom never returned to Scotland.”

Jacques Sigston, 53, from Derby, and his cousin Catherine Johnston, 58, from Bo’ness, were among those at the ceremony at Edinburgh Castle.

Their great-uncle Private John Bird died on April 10, 1917, the day after he was injured on the first day of the battle.

Mr Sigston said: “He was 19 when he was killed, in the prime of life. It’s hugely important to remember.

“These things may have happened 100 years ago but they affected how we live our lives now and without them we would not have the freedom we do.”

The service at the Scottish National War Memorial was conducted by the Rev Dr Karen Campbell, Legion Scotland Padre, who said the battle had left an “irreparable tear” in communities across Scotland.

She said: “We give thanks to those who gave their youth, who sacrificed the hope of a future that together they might end a war.”

There were readings by young people from different youth organisations and there were wreaths laid on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant Rt Hon Donald Wilson, the Scottish Government, the UK Government, the armed forces and of veterans.

The Arras WW100 Scotland Prayer, composed by the Kirk Moderator, was also read out.

After the service the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland played the Beating of the Retreat on the Castle Esplanade.

Kevin Gray, chief executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It’s important to hold events like this where people can come together and pay their respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It’s nice for the descendants to know their loved ones haven’t been forgotten.”

The sacrifice of Canadian soldiers who fought in the battle was also praised by world leaders at a separate ceremony.

The Prince of Wales described the efforts of Canadian troops who fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, launched 100 years ago to the day, as setting “an extraordinary example of selflessness for our future generations”.

Charles told thousands of Canadians gathered along with France’s president Francois Hollande and other dignitaries that: “The long shadows of the thousands who fell here still touch us today.”