Scotland has paid its respects to the fallen in a national Remembrance Sunday service on Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

Crowds gathered on the cold, bright morning as veterans, members of the armed forces, dignitaries, and representatives of the Scottish Government attended the ceremony at City Chambers on Sunday (November 12). 

A military parade led by the RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums at Edinburgh Castle began the memorial, with current and former personnel from different branches walking in formation down the Royal Mile to the City Chambers.

Read more: Edinburgh Armistice Day service of Remembrance, in pictures

Among those present were First Minister Humza Yousaf, Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone and former Scottish Conservatives leader Baroness Annabel Goldie.

At 11am, a single round was fired from the One O'clock gun at the Castle to mark the beginning of the two minute silence, and again to mark its end. 

Mr Yousaf said it was an "honour" to lay a wreath on behalf of The Scottish Government at Scotland's national Remembrance Sunday event. 

The Herald: Humza Yousaf places a poppy wreath at Edinburgh's Stone of RemembranceHumza Yousaf places a poppy wreath at Edinburgh's Stone of Remembrance (Image: PA)

The First Minister said: “This, to me, is one of the most sacred days of the year.

“It’s an opportunity for all of us, all communities, to come together, to reflect, to remember, and to honour all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in order so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we cherish every single day.

“I am proud and honoured to be able to play a part on behalf of the Scottish Government.”

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CEO of Legion Scotland, Dr Claire Armstrong, said:  “From the First World War to the most recent of conflicts, we must always remember those who served.

"Many people have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to sustain our current way of life. Many more have made unthinkable sacrifices to maintain our freedoms. To them, and for them, we must say 'thank you', and we must remember them.  
  
“As we recognise the extraordinary sacrifices of our Armed Forces community, it is also a chance to express our hopes for a peaceful future.  
  
“Lest we forget such sacrifice, and lest we hope for peace and prosperity on behalf of those that Serve.” 

Meanwhile, a Remembrance Day service was held at the Cenotaph in London, led by King Charles III and attended by almost 10,000 veterans and 800 armed forces personnel. 

Prince Edward The Duke of Edinburgh, William Prince of Wales, Anne Princess Royal, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other senior politicians laid wreaths at the war memorial.