Moray residents have joined millions from around the world in marking the centenary of Britain’s entry into the first world war.
A memorial service was held at Elgin’s St Giles Church where the combined congregations of St Giles, Holy Trinity and St Aidans RAF Lossiemouth were joined by local political and civic leaders.
The service took part on a day when the world stopped to remember the millions who subsequently lost their lives in the 1914-1918 conflict.
Glasgow Cathedral was the scene for a special service attended by Prince Charles, Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister Alex Salmond. They were joined by Commonwealth heads of government as well as UK and Irish politicians.
Attending the Moray service was local MP Angus Robertson, who said: “Many millions from across the world gave their lives between 1914 and 1918 in the First World War.
“In Moray alone thousands laid down their lives to protect the freedoms and rights that we hold dear.
“On this, the centenary commemoration of the First World War, It is a time to remember that enormous sacrifices and ensure the memory of those who were lost lives on.”
Mr Robertson was joined by his Holyrood colleague Richard Lochhead MSP, who added: “The suffering of the First World War was appalling and there were few families untouched by the death of a loved one in the many battles fought between 1914 and 1918.
“A hundred years ago people committed themselves in huge numbers to the military campaign, with voluntary sign ups in Moray and the North of Scotland being amongst the highest anywhere. It is so important now to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.”
Meanwhile a parade is to be held this evening in Dufftown to mark the centenary of the Gordon Highlanders leaving the town fight in World War I. It will depart from Dufftown Square at 6.30pm and head towards the war memorial.