VE Day 80th Anniversary

VE Day marks the end of World War II in Europe, and will be commemorated on 8 May 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 10 May 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 1pm

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 12.30pm – 5pm

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 6pm

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 10 May, 2025 – dressing in the fashion of the 40’s is encouraged.

Temporary road and car park closures

On 10 May 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

The following car parks will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6am to 6.30pm.

  • The Square car park, Kelso
  • Coal Market car park, Kelso
  • Tait Hall car park, Kelso

Road closures

The following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic between 12.45pm and 1.45pm:

  • Edenside Road, Kelso – from Dryinghouse Lane to Horsemarket

The following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic between 1.15pm and 4.30pm:

  • 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

The following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic between 2.15pm and 2.45pm when instructed by Police Scotland:

  • 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

Parking will be prohibited on the following roads from 6am to 4.30pm:

  • 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 1.15pm and 4.30pm:

  • 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 1.15pm and 4.30pm.

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 1.15pm and 4.30pm.

Contact

For more information about the anniversary celebrations contact communications@scotborders.gov.uk

For parking and road closure queries email communityengagement@scotborders.gov.uk