Events to mark the 80th anniversary of the battle at St Valéry, which saw the capture of thousands of Allied troops during World War II, will be held across the North today (fri).
A short ceremony is planned at the clock tower outside the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway involving members of the school’s pipe and brass bands.
Other members of the school’s bands will mark the anniversary elsewhere on the island. The ceremony will also be live streamed to allow people to watch from home.
Nearly 500 pipers across the world will play ‘The Heroes of St Valery, written by a veteran of the 51st Highland Division which was forced to surrender after days of intense fighting.
Western Isles Council convener Norman A. Macdonald said: “Many Lewismen, including former pupils of The Nicolson Institute served in the regiments in this division and saw action at St Valéry.
“The commemorative ceremony is especially appropriate given that many former pupils were involved.”
In Dingwall, Stuart MacLennan, whose father was a despatch rider at St Valery, will play the pipes at the town’s war memorial, while a ceremony is also planned at Nairn’s war memorial.
Anniversary event are being organised by Poppyscotland, Legion Scotland and RCET, Scotland’s Armed Forces Children’s Charity.