VETERANS of the Falklands War and families of those who died in the conflict will take centre stage during commemorations in Scotland to mark its 40th anniversary.

Charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland today launch a programme of events in partnership with the armed forces and Scottish Government to remember the conflict, which took place from April-June 1982.

The programme will culminate in a national parade and service of remembrance in Edinburgh on Saturday, June 18. Falklands veterans and bereaved relatives are also being offered free travel and accommodation to attend the UK-wide service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on June 14, the anniversary of the ceasefire.

A package of resources for schools will allow young people to learn more about war as part of Poppyscotland’s wider learning programme. Its interactive mobile museum, Bud, will visit schools in areas which have a close connection to the conflict, including Arbroath. It is home to 45 Commando, the Royal Marine unit which played a key role. In another event, pipers across the globe will join in tribute to those who fell.

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Theresa Davidson, from Glenrothes, Fife, whose husband Lance Sergeant Clark Mitchell was killed on the day of the Argentine surrender, joined the charities to lay a wreath at the Falklands Memorial Garden in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.

She spoke for the first time of her years of heartache following his loss and the importance of remembering the sacrifices of all those who served.

Mitchell was one of eight Scots Guards killed in the Battle of Mount Tumbledown early on June 14. Davidson said: “I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was in our quarters at Lasswade, Midlothian, when an officer and his wife came to the door to tell me the news.

“My world just fell apart. I lost everything: my husband, my best friend, the family we wanted together.”

After six years of married life in Germany and England, they had returned to Scotland and were hoping to start a family. Davidson said: “Nobody knew anything about the Falklands – we thought they were up in the north of Scotland. It was only when we saw the map we realised they were 8000 miles away.

“When he was away, I had this dreadful fear. On the morning of the 14th I felt so happy and thought ‘Thank God the war is over’. But then it was like something hit me and I knew something had happened to Clark. It took me years to rebuild my life.”

Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland are sharing the stories of veterans and their families in the run-up to June. They are encouraging people to reflect on the conflict and others and to recognise the contribution of the armed forces community.

Scotland’s Justice and Veterans Minister, Keith Brown, served on the frontline in the Falklands said: “I am delighted to be able to partner with Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland to deliver a national event in Edinburgh to commemorate the 40th anniversary on June 18.

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“I look forward to participating at a variety of events to pay tribute to the heroism of the men and women who made up the task force which set sail to free the islands.

“This is also a chance to remember all those who lost their lives and those who made an enormous contribution during the conflict, including civilians and dockyard workers.”

For more information visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/Falklands40

Call 0808 802 8080 for details about free transport to the National Memorial Arboretum event.