The 80th anniversary of VE Day will be marked across Moray and Banffshire with a series of poignant events inviting the community to reflect and celebrate.
Thursday 8 May 2025 marks eight decades since the end of the Second World War, and residents are being encouraged to take part in a host of commemorations.
The Lord Lieutenants of Moray and Banffshire have unveiled plans to ensure this significant milestone is honoured with due respect and participation from all generations.
Special invitations have been extended to those over 80, the last of a generation directly affected by the war, to join in the events.
The day’s commemorations will commence at 10am with the raising of the VE Day flag at Moray Council HQ, where all are welcome to observe the tribute.
At 11am, a service will be held at the Land Girls Memorial in Clochan, recognising the crucial role of the Women’s Land Army during the war.
At midday, pipers across the region are invited to join a nationwide tribute, playing “Celebratum” and “The Battle’s O’er” alongside pipers on the four peaks of the UK and at Balmoral Castle.
A community service at St Giles Church in Elgin will take place from 2pm, welcoming all to reflect on the sacrifices made for peace.
Following the service, the congregation will gather at the Plainstones at 2.30pm, where the Lord Lieutenant will read Winston Churchill’s historic speech from 1945.
Local pipers will then play to signal the end of the formal proceedings, but the celebrations will continue with street parties and community gatherings encouraged.
Residents planning commemorative events are invited to share details with the Lieutenancy by emailing lieutenancy@moray.gov.uk
At 6.30pm, the ringing of church bells will echo across Moray and Banffshire, with pipers playing once more as Deputy Lieutenants read Churchill’s speech at key landmarks.
As night falls at 9.30pm, beacons and the Lamp Light of Peace will be illuminated across the region, with notable sites including Findhorn, Lossiemouth East Beach and Ben Rinnes.
The VE Day tribute or Churchill’s speech will be recited once more as the light shines in remembrance of those who fought for freedom.
Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Major-General Seymour Monro CBE, urged local people to take part in the day’s events, reflecting on the mixed emotions that marked 8 May 1945.
He said:
“It was a day of celebration, with the streets brimming with people singing and dancing, but also bittersweet for those who had lost loved ones or were waiting for their safe return.
Now we have the opportunity to thank, remember, and commemorate all those involved in bringing about the end of the war and peace to our shores.”
Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, Mr Andrew Simpson, echoed the sentiment, highlighting additional events taking place in Huntly and Keith in partnership with The Gordon Highlanders and the Royal British Legion.
He said:
“There is plenty going on across Moray and Banffshire for people to take part in, and it’s important that we continue to mark these occasions and show gratitude to those who gave so much for our country.”
More details on national events and resources can be found at https://ve-vjday80.gov.uk/
