Inverness commemorates VE Day 80th anniversary

The Highland Council is supporting public commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Thursday 8 May) both in Inverness and at Saint-Valery-en-Caux, France to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. 

On 8 May at 11:00 there will be a service and laying of wreaths at Cavell Gardens War Memorial, Inverness led by the Inverness Branch of Royal British Legion, Scotland.

Leader of Inverness and Area Cllr Ian Brown and Depute Provost Cllr Jackie Hendry will lay a wreath at the service at Cavell Gardens War Memorial.

Cllr Brown said: “We will honour the people of Inverness who were deployed during World War II and we will remember them.”

Depute Provost Cllr Jackie Hendry added: “Victory Europe was a day in history full of relief and joy after six long, dark years of war.  We remember those who fought but did not come home.  Never forget.”

Following the service, a reception for veterans has been supported by the Inverness Common Good Fund.

The Provost of Inverness and Area Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair and Depute Provost Cllr Morven Reid along with members of the City of Inverness Pipe Band will attend ceremonies at Inverness’s twinned town Saint-Valery-en-Caux.

Provost Campbell Sinclair said: “It is an honour and a privilege to represent Inverness at Saint-Valery-en-Caux to mark the ultimate sacrifice made by thousands in the defence and ultimate liberation of our twinned town 80 years ago including the many soldiers from the 51st Highland Division.”

On the morning of 8 May, they will attend a mass at the Church of Saint-Valery-en-Caux then a wreath laying ceremony at the Place de la Gare. In the afternoon there will be ceremonies at the monument of the 51st Highland Division and at the Military Cemetery