Night time service to mark declaration of World War One

A late night vigil is to be held at St Magnus Cathedral to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

The special service will end at 11pm – the exact time Britain declared itself at war with Germany on August 4, 1914.

At that moment the last of 52 candles will be extinguished, leaving the cathedral in virtual darkness before The Last Post is sounded.

“There will be one candle for each of the congregation members who lost their lives as a result of the war,” said Rev Fraser Macnaughton, the Cathedral minister, who will conduct the 30 minute service.

“Their names can be found on a small memorial within the cathedral where flowers will be laid as the candles gradually go out one by one.

“Remembering people from our community in this way brings an Orkney dimension to the service, which will be one of many taking place across the UK to mark the outbreak of the war.”

The service, which starts at 10.30pm on Monday August 4, will combine music from the Cathedral Choir and the Mayfield Singers with readings and prayers. The final hymn will be Night has Fallen.

Earlier in the day a lunchtime meditation will be held at the cathedral from 1pm – an opportunity for reflection for those who may be unable to attend the late night service.