Search www.cne-siar.gov.uk

VE Day Ceremony

VE Day Ceremony

VE Day will be marked with a flag raising ceremony and evening service at Perceval Square, Stornoway on Thursday 8 May 2025 as well as flag raising ceremonies in Tarbert, Balivanich and Castlebay.
VE Day Logo

This year’s commemoration, along with similar ceremonies across the country, marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

At 9am the Armed Forces Day flag will be raised in Perceval Square by Iain Macaulay, Lord Lieutenant of the Western Isles and Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

In the evening Rev William Heenan will lead a ceremony commencing at 7:30pm.

Running order of evening ceremony:

  • Address by Rev William Heenan
  • Laying of Wreaths by Iain Macaulay, Lord Lieutenant of the Western Isles and Cllr Kenny Macleod,
  • Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
  • 2-minutes silence
  • Reading of Ode of Remembrance by Francis Jefferson
  • Speech by Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
  • Pipers play to bring ceremony to a close as flag is lowered

Cllr Kenny Macleod Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said:

 “80 years on from the conclusion of the conflict it is important that we come together as a community to remember the service and sacrifice of members of the armed forces in World War 2. As time passes we cannot allow the memory of these individuals to become distant, I would encourage anyone who can to attend the ceremony.”

Iain Macaulay, Western Isles Lord-Lieutenant added:

"It is only right that we remember the tremendous effort made by the Armed Forces and everyone involved on the home front through 5 years of fighting and hardship. Many lives were lost and many others were permanently injured. We gratefully remember the courage and sacrifice of everyone involved in the fight for our freedom.  The 80th Anniversary of VE Day is a time for thankfulness, reflection and remembrance".

The arrangements for the raising of flags at Castlebay, Balivanich and Tarbert are detailed below.

  • Castlebay - 7pm, Wednesday 7 May flag raising at Barra and Vatersay War Memorial
  • Balivanich - 8:30am, Thursday 8 May flag raising
  • Tarbert - 6pm, Wednesday 7 May flag raising of Union Jack, Navy Flag and Armed Forces Day flag at Tarbert War Memorial with the Armed Forces flag raised at the North Harris Trust Office.