Originally opened in 1927, this is a memorial to Scots who died in both World Wars, and in later campaigns. Their names are listed here in the Rolls of Honour.

The Scottish National War Memorial © Historic Scotland

Key facts

The Book of Remembrance in the Scottish National War Memorial © Historic Scotland

The Scottish National War Memorial was opened in 1927 as a tribute to those killed in the First World War.

The building incorporates scenes from the First World War in stone, bronze and stained glass

Interior of the Scottish National War Memorial © Historic Scotland
The Memorial was designed in the Art Deco style of the day by the Scottish architect Sir Robert Lorimer, and the cream of Scotland’s artists and craftspeople. It also commemorates Scottish servicemen and women who died in the Second World War and later conflicts.

- The building occupies the site of St Mary’s Church, built in medieval times. St Mary’s was converted into a munitions house in 1540, and later demolished (1755) to make way for a new barracks, which forms the shell of the present building.

- The exterior emphasises the nobility of those who fell, with statues representing Courage, Peace, Justice and Mercy. At the centre, a figure rising from a phoenix symbolises the survival of the Spirit.

- Inside, vivid stained-glass windows and bronze friezes show scenes from the war. In the inner shrine, a casket holding the Roll of Honour lists the names of all the dead, overlooked by a statue of St Michael the Archangel.

- The Scottish National War Memorial was opened on 14 July 1927 by The Prince Of Wales, later King Edward VIII, with Field Marshal Haig at his side.

View the official Scottish National War Memorial website

All visitors wishing to visit the Scottish National War Memorial only should go directly to the Visitor Information reception, next to the Ticket Office, where we will be delighted to facilitate their visit.