ASA Scotland Charity

23/08/2026

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE BUT IT MUST ALWAYS BE DEFENDED - PAUSE, THINK AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT

In every town, village and city across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, there stands a memorial to those who came before us — our forefathers who sacrificed everything so that future generations could live in freedom.

They left their homes, their families and the people they loved. Many never returned.

Their names are carved into stone, but their sacrifice lives on in every generation that follows.

The poppy reminds us.

The memorial reminds us.

And the freedom we enjoy reminds us.

Freedom is not free.

We will remember them.
We will honour them.
And we will never forget.

23/08/2026

🇬🇧 A LASTING TRIBUTE TO A REMARKABLE MAN 🇬🇧

“Six years ago, ASA Scotland Charity asked if I would be willing to produce a fitting memorial for the community and family of John McAleese MM.”

Those words belong to Denny sculptor Helen Runciman of Grail PR, the talented artist who was entrusted with creating the beautiful memorial to a man whose courage became part of British military history.

In 2021, Helen brought John’s story to life in bronze, creating a lasting memorial in Laurieston — a place where his courage, service and sacrifice can be remembered by generations to come.

John McAleese MM was one of the leaders of Operation Ni**od, the extraordinary 1980 operation during the Iranian Embassy Siege in London, when 19 hostages were rescued.

But behind the history, the medals and the headlines was a husband, father, friend and soldier who dedicated himself to serving others.

Helen’s work ensures that John’s memory will continue to stand proudly within the community he called home.

This Saturday, 29th August, ASA Scotland Charity will gather at the John McAleese MM Memorial in Laurieston to remember John and pay tribute to all those who have served, those who serve today, and the families who stand beside them.

We invite the whole community to come along.

Stand with us.
Remember with us.
Show your support.

Because a memorial is more than bronze and stone.

It is a promise that we will remember.

🇬🇧 John McAleese MM — Remembered with pride. Never forgotten. 🇬🇧

**od

22/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Laurieston Comes Together to Honour Our Armed Forces

Saturday 29th August 2026 | Laurieston, Falkirk

ASA Scotland Charity is inviting the people of Laurieston, Falkirk and communities across Scotland to come together on Saturday 29th August for a special Armed Forces Day event honouring our Armed Forces, veterans, military families and all those who have served — and those who continue to serve our nation today.

The afternoon will begin with a parade along Polmont Road at 1:00pm, supported by the Army and Sea Cadets, followed by a commemorative service at 1:15pm.

ASA Scotland Charity President Baillie Buchanan will welcome Depute Lord Lieutenant Ken Thomson, who will be joined by Euan Stainbank MP and Padre Phil Patterson in paying tribute to the courage, dedication and sacrifice of the men and women of our Armed Forces.

Remembering John McAleese MM

The event will also provide an opportunity to remember one of Britain’s most remarkable soldiers, John McAleese MM.

John was one of the leaders of Operation Ni**od, the dramatic 1980 operation to rescue hostages during the Iranian Embassy Siege in London. His courage, professionalism and determination became part of the history of Britain’s Special Forces.

In 2021, ASA Scotland Charity commissioned the John McAleese MM Memorial in Laurieston. The beautiful bust was created by Denny sculptor Helen Runciman of Grail PR, providing a permanent place for the community to remember John’s remarkable service and legacy.

For ASA Scotland Charity, the memorial represents more than a statue. It is a reminder of the values that bind generations together — courage, service, sacrifice and the responsibility we all have to remember those who came before us.

An Invitation to the Community

This is not simply an event for veterans or members of the Armed Forces.

It is for everyone.

ASA Scotland Charity is encouraging families, young people, veterans, serving personnel and members of the local community to come along and show their support.

For those who have served, it is an opportunity to know that their service has not been forgotten.

For military families, it is a chance to stand proudly together.

For today’s serving personnel, it is a message that their communities stand behind them.

And for the younger generation, it is an opportunity to learn about the courage and sacrifice that have helped protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

President Baillie Buchanan said:

“We want the people of Laurieston and the wider community to come together and show their support for our Armed Forces. This is about remembering the past, recognising those who serve today and inspiring future generations to understand the meaning of service and sacrifice.”

The charity believes that remembrance is strongest when a community stands together.

So, on 29th August, ASA Scotland Charity asks the people of Laurieston and beyond to come out, line the parade route, attend the service and join us in saying a simple but powerful message:

**Thank you to those who serve.

We remember those who served.

We will never forget those who sacrificed.**

📍 Polmont Road, Laurieston, Falkirk
🕐 Parade — 1:00pm
🕐 Service — 1:15pm

Everyone is welcome.

Come along. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Stand with your community.

Let us fill Laurieston with pride, remembrance and gratitude for our Armed Forces.

Ends

22/08/2026

We remember Pte Conor McPherson

Died 22/08/2016

The Black Watch, 3 SCOTS
The Royal Regiment of Scotland

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them”


remembrance

22/08/2026

22/08/2026

A Love Story Worth Celebrating ❤️

Today, ASA Scotland Charity would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Paul Jacobs GM and his beautiful bride Renn, who were married on Thursday.

Paul’s story is one of courage, resilience, determination and hope.

As a blind veteran and proud recipient of the George Medal, Paul has faced challenges that would test even the strongest of people. Yet throughout his life, he has continued to show that true strength is not about what life gives us — it is about how we choose to face it.

Paul has become a remarkable inspiration to veterans, young people and communities, sharing a message that reaches far beyond his own experiences: never give up, never lose hope, and never allow adversity to define your future.

Today, we celebrate not only Paul’s incredible journey, but the beginning of a new chapter with Renn by his side.

May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, friendship, adventure and countless precious memories.

From everyone at ASA Scotland Charity, we wish Paul and Renn a lifetime of happiness together.

Congratulations to you both — may you walk through life together with courage in your hearts, love in your souls and hope for every tomorrow. ❤️

🥂 To Paul & Renn — wishing you a lifetime of happiness.

22/08/2026

Daniel Logan Laidlaw was born in Little Swinton, in the Scottish Borders, 26th July 1875, he died 2nd June 1950. During WW1 he was known as

22/08/2026

Last night the Rev John Povey DL was our VIP guest - thank you.

21/08/2026

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Purple Poppy Memorial — Uphall 🇬🇧🌏

The memorial was created by ASA Scotland Charity in partnership with the Uphall community in 2021, to remember the animals that have served and sacrificed alongside Britain’s Armed Forces — past, present and future. It was unveiled on 23 August 2021 by West Lothian’s Lord-Lieutenant Moira Niven MBE. ASA Scotland received a £10,000 grant towards creating the memorial and also produced an educational booklet for schools.

The memorial is located at the corner of Main Street and Ecclesmachan Road, Uphall. Tonight a service was lead by President Baillie Buchanan, VIP guest was Rev John Povey Deputy Lieutenant, we are extremely grateful of the support from Lodge Buchan St.John No 636 and the local community who all laid beautiful purple Poppy wreaths.

🐴 Why the Purple Poppy?

The purple poppy represents the animals that have served during wartime. Horses, mules, donkeys, dogs, pigeons and other animals played crucial roles in military service, including carrying ammunition, food and medical supplies and transporting messages. ASA Scotland highlights that more than 16 million animals served during the First World War.

🕯️ Purple Poppy Day

ASA Scotland has established 23 August as Purple Poppy Day, with an annual remembrance service at the Uphall memorial. The event has continued each year, including 2023, 2024 and 2025, with the support of Uphall Community Council.

Uphall Community Council describes it as the first Purple Poppy Memorial and says it was led by ASA Scotland as a fitting memorial to animals killed in battle.

21/08/2026

Thank you to Laura for supporting our Armed Forces and our charity work 👏🏻 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿