Veterans and serving military personnel will gather outside Edinburgh’s City Chambers on Remembrance Sunday, with the First Minister leading tributes to those who have died in conflict.

The annual service will include a military parade from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile, led by the RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums. A two-minute silence will be observed at 11am, followed by the laying of poppy wreaths at the stone of remembrance.

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and Edinburgh’s lord provost, Robert Aldridge, will be among those laying wreaths. The Scottish chiefs of all three armed services will also attend to pay their respects.

The ceremony will bring together veterans, military representatives and political leaders, combining remembrance of those killed in conflict with recognition of those who continue to serve. Other commemorations will take place across Scotland.

Ahead of the service, Alexander said: “Remembrance Sunday is a moment for the whole country to pause and remember the men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms, and to give thanks to our veterans, our serving personnel and the families who stand behind them.”

He said he would stand alongside veterans, armed forces members and community leaders from across Scotland to honour their service and sacrifice. He described the debt owed to those who had served as one that could never be fully repaid, and said the UK Government’s commitment to the armed forces was unwavering.