Today, Sunday 8th November, would be when in a normal year commemorations would be taking place in Orkney to remember all those killed in war and conflict.

A limited commemoration will be taking place at the Kirkwall & St Ola War Memorial in Broad Street with a wreath laying ceremony.

The covid pandemic means that large groups of people coming together results in a high risk of spreading the virus. People are asked to remember at home and to take part in the 2 minutes silence.

Poppy Scotland has also seen a significant drop in contributions . There are places around Orkney where you can still see collections tins. You can also contribute online: Scottish Poppy Appeal 2020

On 11th of November St Magnus Cathedral will be lit up red to mark Remembrance.

Eddy Ross, President of the Kirkwall Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, said:

“Despite the changes this year, we are encouraging people to ensure Remembrance Sunday is still marked appropriately by ‘Remembering at Home’, whether that is watching the national service on television or pausing for the two-minute silence inside or on your doorsteps. Many children are being encouraged to draw or make poppies to place in their windows in remembrance.”