Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to those who died in conflict as people fell silent across the country today.
The First Minister’s Remembrance message comes on a day when public gatherings had to be scaled back because of coronavirus restrictions.
People were encouraged to pause on their doorsteps or by windows for two minutes silence at 11am.
In a video message, Sturgeon said: “We remember those who died in that war and in subsequent conflicts. And in doing so we pay tribute to the continuing service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community.
“Ordinarily, of course, this occasion would be marked through commemoration events across the country. They provide an opportunity for people to come together, to reflect and to pay their respects.
“Sadly, because of Covid, these events will have to be very different this year and our national services of remembrance, unfortunately, will not be open to the public. However, I know that people across Scotland will still be taking the time to mark this Remembrance Day."
Sturgeon continued: “In doing so, we pay tribute to our armed forces past and present. And we remember all those – from Scotland, the UK, the Commonwealth, and around the world – who paid the ultimate price.
“Their sacrifice must never be forgotten. It reminds all of us of the devastating cost of war. Their sacrifice helped to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. And it should inspire all of us now to do everything we can to build a better, safer, more peaceful world.”
Last weekend’s Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London had to be scaled back because of lockdown rules. Sturgeon laid a wreath at a ceremony at Edinburgh Castle.
An invitation-only service at Westminster Abbey was organised to mark the centenary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior.
