Silence descended on Aberdeen yesterday as the clock struck 11am and poignant tributes to those who have died in conflict were paid.
Representatives of the armed forces, veterans groups, cadets and community organisations joined Lord Provost George Adam and other public officials to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.
It was one of many events held across the north-east on the second Sunday in November – the closest Sunday to Armistice Day, November 11, to mark the anniversary of the end of hostilities of World War I in 1918.
Headed by Grampian Police Scotland Pipe Band, representatives of the military and ex-service organisations formed up in Little Belmont Street from around 10.15am and paraded to the War Memorial on Schoolhill.
On arrival music was also played by the Bon Accord Silver Band.
People lined the streets as the traditional civic procession, dressed in robes, travelled there from outside the town house.
A short service with prayers and hymns was then held outside the memorial before two minutes of silence were held to remember the fallen.
Dozens of red and black poppy wreaths were also lain down to mark the occasion before mourners were taken to a special church service held at the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting.
Following the event, the lord provost said: “The people of Aberdeen are strong supporters of our armed forces and we have joined together as a community to remember the sacrifices made on our behalf.
“We remember all of those who have given their lives, and those who have been injured physically and mentally by conflict. We should never forget them.”
This week Aberdeen’s Marischal College and the exhibition centre have also been lit up red in support of the Poppy Scotland appeal.
They joined landmarks across the country, such as Eilean Donan Castle, Inverness Castle and the Kelpies, in supporting the appeal.
Gordon Michie, head of fundraising at the charity, said: “We hope that when people see it lit up red they will think about ways that they too can go the extra mile in their support for this year’s Poppy Appeal.
“Whether it’s putting a little bit more in the poppy tin, or doing something completely different to raise money, every penny helps us to offer life-changing support so we can be there when they call for backup.”