Scottish National War Memorial

Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh Castle

The Scottish National War Memorial, located within Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland, was originally established to honor the Scottish soldiers who lost their lives in World War I, as well as in later conflicts.

The idea for a national memorial was first proposed in 1917, during the war, and gained momentum after its end in 1918. The memorial was designed by Sir Robert Lorimer, a renowned Scottish architect, with the help of leading artists and craftsmen of the time.

Construction began in 1923, and it was officially opened by Prince Edward, the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII), on July 14, 1927. The memorial, housed within a converted section of the former barracks in Edinburgh Castle, features an elaborate Gothic-style shrine, intricate stone carvings, and stained-glass windows depicting scenes of war and sacrifice. The exterior of the building is decorated with gargoyles and sculpture by various artists.

At its heart is the Roll of Honour, a series of books inscribed with the names of over 147,000 Scottish soldiers who perished in World War I. Later, names from World War II and subsequent conflicts, including the Korean War and the Falklands War, were added.

Today, the Scottish National War Memorial serves as a place of remembrance and reflection, attracting visitors from around the world who come to pay tribute to Scotland's fallen heroes. It stands as a powerful symbol of Scottish national sacrifice and resilience.