A panel of experts has been appointed to support Scotland’s commemorations of the centenary of the start of the First World War.
Included in the Scottish Commemorations Panel, which meets for the first time this Thursday, will be several with Courier Country connections.
The panel, which includes the Rev Ron Ferguson of Cowdenbeath and St Andrews University principal and vice-chancellor Professor Louise Richardson, comprises a mix of professionals from the military and veterans communities, community leaders, clergy, media, historians and education specialists.
Joining them will be Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin, Edinburgh Tattoo chief executive Brigadier David Allfrey, the Duke of Buccleuch, BBC Alba chairwoman Maggie Cunningham, Group Captain Bob Kemp, former newspaper editor Magnus Linklater, Education Scotland chief executive Dr Bill Maxwell, author Trevor Royle, Commodore Charles Stevenson and Professor Sir Hew Strachan.
The panel will support the chairman, former army chaplain Norman Drummond, in his work to recommend how Scotland should mark the centenary.
Rear Admiral Chris Hockley, Major General Nick Eeles and Air Commodore Gerry Mayhew will provide advisory support.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “This panel brings together 12 remarkable people with an exceptional range of skills, experience and expertise across many fields.
“Their wisdom and advice will be extremely helpful in guiding Scotland’s approach to commemorations sensitively over the period to 2019 and ensuring that Scotland’s commemorative plans are relevant to all parts of society.”
Mr Drummond said that the commemoration must provide opportunities for people to learn about the war in meaningful ways.
The military representatives would help determine how best to recognise the sacrifice of Scotland’s servicemen and women and the appropriate commemoration of the battles in which Scotland played a key role.