VE Day marks the end of World War II in Europe, and will be commemorated on May 8, 2025, as its 80th anniversary. This significant day is an opportunity for the nation to come together to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth through a series of national and local events and activities.
Scottish Borders Council Celebrations – Saturday 10 May
The 80th anniversary of VE Day will be marked in the Scottish Borders by a community event in Kelso on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Kelso will join national commemorations and showcase military history, inviting residents and visitors to come together in remembrance and reflection.
What’s on
Kelso Town Square 13:00
Watch the parade by veterans and cadets accompanied by the Military Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Veterans Pipes and Drums of the King's Own Scottish Borderers and Kelso Pipe Band.
Take part in the Drumhead Service of Remembrance.
Join the community singing led by Alan Bryden.
Military Village - meet your army 12:30 – 17:00
Explore the Military Village which will feature information stands, equipment and attractions delivered by serving Army personnel, the Kings Own Scottish Borderers VE Day 80 museum, staff and volunteers from SSAFA, The Royal British Legion, Erskine Veterans Charity and Help for Heroes.
Take a step back in time and admire the display of 1940s vintage vehicles.
Floors Castle 18:00
Enjoy a musical performance featuring the Military Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Kings Own Scottish Borderers Veterans Band in the stunning grounds of Floors Castle.
Watch the Beating Retreat ceremony, with the salute taken by His Grace, The Duke of Roxburghe.
How to Join the Celebrations
Put the date in your diary and join us in the Borders in Kelso Town Square and Floors Castle on May 10, 2025 – dressing in the fashion of the 40’s is encouraged.
Notice of Temporary Road and Car Park Closures for VE Day Celebrations
Please be informed that on May 10, 2025, several car parks and roads in Kelso will be temporarily closed to facilitate the VE Day celebrations.
Please plan your journey accordingly and follow the directions of traffic officers in the area.
Parking - 10 May 2025
The following car parks will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6:00 to 18:30.
• The Square car park, Kelso
• Coal Market car park, Kelso
• Tait Hall car park, Kelso
Road Closures – 10 May 2025
The following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic between the hours of 12:45 and 13:45.
• Edenside Road, Kelso – from Dryinghouse Lane to Horsemarket
Closure 2
The following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic between the hours of 13:15 and 16:30.
• Horsemarket, Kelso – from Edenside Road to The Square
• The Square, Kelso – from Horsemarket to Roxburgh Street and Woodmarket
• Woodmarket, Kelso – from The Square to Simon Square
• Bridge Street, Kelso – from The Square to Abbey Row
Closure 3
The following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic between the hours of 14:15 and 14:45.
These closure will only come into effect when instructed by a police officer in uniform
• Shedden Park Road, Kelso – from Woodmarket to Rose Lane
• Rose Lane, Kelso – from Shedden Park Road to Edenside Road
• Edenside Road, Kelso – from Rose Lane to Tait Hall
Alternative Route:
To avoid the town centre closures, follow Maxwellheugh, Station Road and the A698.
Marshalls will be situated at closure points to advise, please be patient and courteous.
No waiting – 10 May 2025
Parking will be prohibited on the following roads from 6:00 to 16:30.
• Edenside Road, Kelso – from Dryinghouse Lane to Horsemarket
• Horsemarket, Kelso – from Edenside Road to The Square
• The Square, Kelso – from Horsemarket to Roxburgh Street and Woodmarket
• Woodmarket, Kelso – from The Square to Simon Square
• Bridge Street, Kelso – from The Square to Abbey Row
• Shedden Park Road, Kelso – from Woodmarket to Rose Lane
• Rose Lane, Kelso – from Shedden Park Road to Edenside Road
• East Bowmont Street, Kelso – layby at Henderson Court
• Union Street, Kelso
One Way
The one-way orders on the following roads will be reversed on 10 May 2025 between the hours of 13:15 and 16:30
• Abbey Row, Kelso – from Bridge Street to The Butts
• Union Street, Kelso
Temporary Taxi Rank
A temporary taxi rank will be situated on East Bowmont Street in the west half of the layby at Henderson’s Court between the hours 13:15 and 16:30
Temporary Bus Stop
A temporary bus stop will be situated on East Bowmont Street in the east half of the layby at Henderson’s Court for westbound buses between the hours of 13:15 and 16:30
Contact
SBC Communications communications@scotborders.gov.uk for information about the Anniversary celebrations
For parking and road closure queries email communityengagement@scotborders.gov.uk