# VE Day, eighty years on

*2025-05-08*

> On 8th May 1945 nearly 100,000 people packed George Square in Glasgow. How Scotland celebrated VE Day, and how it has marked it since.

https://adamstoner.com/ve-day-eighty-years-on/

On [8th May 1945](https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/what-you-need-to-know-about-ve-day),
guns in Europe fell silent. The date marked not just the end of World War II on
the continent but the beginning of a road to recovery. The day became known as
Victory in Europe Day – VE Day – and as its 80th anniversary approaches, it
offers a moment to reflect on the celebrations of 1945, the challenges that
affected both Scottish soldiers and citizens, and how the country has honoured
this day since.

## The end

By mid-April 1945, it was clear that an end to World War II was near. Adolf
Hitler was dead and German forces were surrendering across Europe. On 7th May,
Germany signed its unconditional surrender with victory to be declared by the
Allied Forces the following day. Across the continent, people gathered to
commemorate a moment that was both triumphant and tragic; a celebration that
death and destruction wrought across Europe was finally at a close, but also a
sombre acknowledging of all that was lost. In towns and cities across Scotland,
people awaited a special 3pm address by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, hoping
for words that would confirm what they had wished for so long: war in Europe was
over.

[Even before those words were spoken](https://www.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/ve-day-how-scots-celebrated-the-end-of-the-war-in-europe-2846676),
[news of Germany's surrender](https://www.scottisharchivesforschools.org/LettersAndDiaries/VictoryInEuropeCelebrations.asp)
had reached the home front. Edinburgh was already erupting into cautious
celebration with people pouring onto Princes Street and Cowgate where bonfires
were lit. George Square in Glasgow saw similar scenes with
[nearly 100,000 people](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/history/glasgow-went-daft-joy-remembering-18220059)
gathering to sing and dance. The Daily Record noted that the city had gone 'daft
with joy'.

Those in Aberdeen celebrated with fireworks.
[Ships on the Clyde](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/history/glasgow-went-daft-joy-remembering-18220059)
sounded their horns. Effigies of Hitler were burned as bunting adorned with
Union Flags – and the Saltire – waved from windows. Dunblane Cathedral was
floodlit for the first time in its 700-year-old history to mark German surrender
with church bells ringing out in unison across the country. The war had taken
its toll and whilst many were still mourning loved ones lost, there was a
triumphant sense of gratitude and not-so-quiet jubilation.

While civilians partied, lots of Scottish service personnel were still on duty.
Scottish regiments stationed in Germany and across Europe marked the day with
toasts and moments of quiet remembrance. Ada Mobbs spent VE Day at work, manning
radar defences. Speaking to
[The Sunday Post](https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/victory-in-europe-day-75-years-on-scots-share-their-special-memories-of-may-8-1945/)
in 2020, she said it was just a normal day, "Four of us were on duty, and there
was no sort of excitement – though I remember, somebody managed to get four
sticky buns from somewhere."

Others internationally were still engaged in peacekeeping, clean-up, or
rebuilding operations, working to stabilise regions reeling from war.

## War in Asia

For those serving in the Far East, VE Day passed unnoticed: the war was not yet
over for those fighting in Asia. Though not on the doorsteps of Scottish
civilians in the same way European fighting was, Scottish regiments including
the King's Own Scottish Borderers and the Cameron Highlanders played key roles
in these conflicts.

On 15th August 1945, following the atomic bombings of both Hiroshima and
Nagasaki the earlier week, Japan surrendered. Emperor Hirohito announced his
country's acceptance of the Allies' terms, bringing World War II to a close.
Veterans Jimmy Mowatt from Laurencekirk and Willie Morrison from Glasgow were
there when
[a Japanese officer](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/past-times/2363087/the-remarkable-story-of-how-the-forgotten-army-on-vj-day-included-donald-duck)
announced "The war is over and I hope you get back soon to your loved ones."

Back on home turf, celebrations broke out again though on a smaller scale. The
response to Victory in Japan Day was more subdued than that of VE Day but it
remained a significant moment for those who had fought in the Pacific.

## Victory

Victory brought relief – but not right away. The return of soldiers from both
Europe and Asia was staggered, with many not setting foot on Scottish soil for
months. Families anxiously awaited letters and telegrams and homecomings were
bittersweet; many returned to find places they once knew permanently changed.
Everyday life was still dictated by wartime restrictions with rationing
remaining a reality for almost a decade after the war.

Bomb damage in built-up areas took years to rebuild and factories that had been
dedicated to wartime production had to be repurposed leading to employment
instability for lots of Scots.

Post-war recovery was not easy. When veterans did return, many carried both
physical and mental scars of war. For some, integrating back into civilian life
proved to be an impossible challenge. For Scottish women, who had enjoyed
employment in munitions factories, farming, and the armed services, peacetime
employment opportunities were scarce once more.

Despite hardship, Scotland's famous Blitz spirit endured. The end of the war did
signal the start of huge political and social change. On an international level,
the United Nations was established in October 1945, welcoming a new age of
cooperation and peace. At home, the victory accelerated welfare and social
reform. Clement Attlee's Labour Party founded the NHS just a few years after.
The post-war introduction of free school meals and housing helped improve
conditions for families; reforms like these reshaped Scotland's social landscape
for generations to come.

## Never forget

Both VE and VJ Day have been commemorated every year since. The 50th anniversary
of VE Day in 1995 saw celebrations across Scotland. In the capital, services
reflected on the collective joy experienced half a century earlier.

The COVID-19 pandemic hampered but did not deter 75th anniversary celebrations
in 2020. Traditional gatherings were replaced with virtual ones, doorstep
moments of reflection replacing grand parades. It was a reminder that
communities will still come together to honour the past, no matter the distance
or barriers.

For many veterans, these anniversaries have been a chance to share their
memories and ensure their stories are passed down to younger generations. The
upcoming 80th anniversary may well be the last major milestone where surviving
veterans are able to take part. Legion Scotland is playing a crucial role in
ensuring their voices are heard, organising a
[concert tribute at Edinburgh's Usher Hall](https://www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on/scotlands-salute-tribute-ve-day-80th-anniversary-concert)
as well as pipers playing at locations across Scotland.

Other planned celebrations include lighting of
[Beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace](https://www.veday80.org.uk), the raising of a
unique VE Day flag, and parties of celebration throughout the day in the
streets, gardens at home, and all manner of locations throughout the country.

## Today

8th May 2025 marks VE Day's 80th anniversary. The immediate celebrations of 1945
giving way to a more humble recognition of service and sacrifice, the
significance of the day a marked moment to remember those who fought and fell,
to honour the resilience of a generation, and remind ourselves of the hard-won
peace it is our duty to protect.

Veterans who remember VE Day firsthand are now few but their legacy and
sacrifices will never be forgotten. Together, we ensure that their stories and
the lessons of the past endure.

*Written for [Legion Scotland](https://www.legionscotland.org.uk/) to mark the
80th anniversary of VE Day.*