Look out for commemorative programme in this week’s paper

More details of events in Orkney to commemorate the Battle of Jutland and the loss of HMS Hampshire will be published tomorrow.

The opening of Weeping Window, at St Magnus Cathedral, marked the start of the commemorations, the poppies a poignant reminder of the sacrifice of those who served during the First World War.

Tomorrow, Thursday, a commemorative programme will be included with The Orcadian, detailing a week of events and exhibitions between Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, June 5.

Karen Greaves, Orkney Islands Council’s head of leisure and lifelong learning, said: “This year we are privileged to be hosting the UK’s commemoration of the Battle of Jutland, which was followed soon after by the sinking of HMS Hampshire.

“The events taking place in Orkney will be a powerful reminder the war at sea a century ago, the huge loss of life, and the impact of the war on our local community.”

The centenary of the Battle of Jutland – the most significant naval engagement of the First World War – will be marked on Tuesday, May 31, by a special service at the cathedral and an event at the Royal Naval Cemetery at Lyness.

Although attendance is by invitation only, there will be large screens in Broad Street and at the Pickaquoy Centre where people can watch both events live. Tickets are required for the Pickaquoy screening and these are available, free of charge, from the centre.

The aim has been to give descendants of those who served at sea in the First World War the chance to join the commemorations. In addition, a number of seats are being allocated to local residents who applied to take part in the events. To ensure the seats were allocated as fairly as possible, all applications were entered in a ballot, with successful applications drawn at random.

Around 100 people living in Orkney will receive invitations to the cathedral service. Around 100 residents of Hoy, Graemsay and Flotta will receive letters inviting them to join the Lyness event. The invitation letters will be sent by the UK Government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport

Prior to the Jutland service, there will be a ceremonial march from Kirkwall Harbour to the cathedral, via Junction Road, leaving the harbour at 10.20am. This will feature the Royal Marines Band Portsmouth and the Band of the Federal German Navy, as well as the Kirkwall City Pipe Band. Coverage of events in Kirkwall will begin on the big screens at 10.45am.

Both military bands will be in action again on Wednesday, June 1, when they will perform at a charity concert at the Pickaquoy Centre. Again tickets are free of charge, but need to be booked through the centre in advance.

On Sunday, June 5, the focus will be on Birsay, where a service commemorating the sinking of HMS Hampshire and HM Drifter Laurel Crown will take place at the Kitchener Memorial.

Both vessels sank in June 1916 after hitting mines off Marwick Head, with the loss of 746 lives. More details will be provided soon about this commemorative event.