Who Dares Cares Remembrance Service at Edinburgh Castle - 2026

 

Remembering Those for Whom the Battles Are Now Over

 

On Sunday 1 November 2026, veterans, families, friends and supporters of Who Dares Cares gathered at Edinburgh Castle for our annual Remembrance Service — a simple, dignified and deeply meaningful occasion to honour and remember those who are no longer with us.

People travelled from across the United Kingdom to be part of the service, with many making considerable journeys to stand together in remembrance. It was particularly moving to see such a broad range of ages represented, from the young through to those who have carried memories of service and sacrifice for many years.

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The gathering was a powerful reminder that remembrance belongs to every generation.

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A Simple and Respectful Service

 

The service itself was deliberately simple and respectful, allowing those present the time and space to reflect on friends, family members and comrades who have been lost.

At the heart of the service was a specially written poem by veteran Jim Coyle, who served with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the Ulster Defence Regiment. Jim also read the poem during the service, adding a particularly personal and poignant moment to the proceedings.

Music played an important part in the act of remembrance, and we would like to offer our sincere thanks to Bugler Humu and Pipe Sergeant Hugh Scott, KOSB, whose contributions helped create the solemn and reflective atmosphere the occasion deserved.

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A Wreath Laid in Remembrance

 

One of the most moving moments of the day came with the laying of the Who Dares Cares wreath.

This year, the wreath was laid by Aidan and Ethan King, who sadly lost their father unexpectedly to a heart attack in January.

Their involvement brought an added poignancy to the service and served as a reminder that remembrance is not only about those lost in conflict or service, but also about the families, friends and communities who carry their memory forward.

Standing together in such a historic setting, the act of laying the wreath provided a quiet and powerful opportunity for everyone present to pause, reflect and pay their respects.

Veterans and Families Coming Together

 

For Who Dares Cares, occasions such as this are about more than the formal act of remembrance. They are also about bringing people together.

Veterans and families travelled from across the country to attend, some reconnecting with old friends and comrades while others joined us for the first time. The sense of shared understanding and mutual support was evident throughout the day.

For many veterans and families, remembrance can be deeply personal. Being able to come together with others who understand the importance of remembering those we have lost makes occasions such as this particularly special.

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It was humbling to see the effort so many people had made to attend and to witness generations standing side by side in remembrance.

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Our Thanks

 

Events such as this simply would not be possible without the support and assistance of those who work behind the scenes.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the staff of the Scottish National War Memorial and Historic Scotland, who went above and beyond to ensure that our veterans and families were looked after throughout their visit, from their arrival at Edinburgh Castle through to their departure.

Their kindness, professionalism and support were greatly appreciated and helped ensure that the day was both respectful and memorable for everyone involved.

We would also like to thank every veteran, family member, friend and supporter who travelled to join us. Your presence made the occasion what it was.

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As we stood together at Edinburgh Castle, we remembered those who are no longer with us — for whom the battles are now over, but whose memory lives on.

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We will remember them.

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