Delegation heads to Edinburgh for memorial service

A delegation from Shetland will be attending a Drum Head service at Edinburgh Castle on Sunday to commemorate the outbreak of World War One.

The service, conducted in the manner of a field service around a makeshift altar of regimental drums, will bring together representatives from various military branches and civic societies.

SIC convenor Malcolm Bell and president of the Shetland branch of the Merchant Navy Association Eddie Knight are to attend along with representatives from the Edinburgh Shetland Association and Shetland Heritage.

Mr Knight said that around one in 14 Shetlanders lost their lives in the conflict billed optimistically at the time “the war to end all wars”.

He said: “I’d like to note the fact that a tremendous amount of Shetland men lost their lives. The Merchant Navy sustained the biggest loss in World War One and every community in Shetland was affected.”

After the ceremony, a march accompanied by massed pipes will take place down the Royal Mile.