SSAFA honours 140 years of service with ‘memorable’ Edinburgh thanksgiving

16 June 2025

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, recently commemorated a significant milestone marking 140 years of support to the military community with a special service held at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh. The event brought together over 200 attendees from across the military, civic, and charity sectors to honour SSAFA’s enduring support for the Armed Forces community since 1885. 

The service was a blend of music, reflection, and gratitude. The congregation was welcomed with stirring performances by The King’s Own Scottish Borderers Pipes and Drums and Duncan Ferguson, Organist and Master of Music at St Mary’s Cathedral. 

Reverend Nicki McNelly, SSAFA Chair for Edinburgh & the Lothians, opened the ceremony, with prayers and a sermon delivered by Rev Dr David Coulter.

A heartfelt address from SSAFA’s National Chair, Air Marshal Sir Simon Bollom, underscored the charity’s historic and ongoing impact. Sir Simon later led an Act of Dedication, reaffirming SSAFA’s commitment to its mission.

Musical highlights included performances from the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Edinburgh and Rosyth Military Wives Choirs, and a rousing rendition of Highland Cathedral which, according to one guest, "sent shivers down my spine".

A particularly touching moment came with a poem reading by Anya Rose McNelly, followed by a spirited performance by the Queen Victoria School’s Pipes, Drums and Dancers.

The event concluded with a full ensemble performance of the SSAFA March, a fitting tribute to the charity’s legacy and community spirit.

Feedback from guests has been overwhelmingly positive. "It was truly a memorable and emotional event to mark our 140th," said Sir Simon Bollom. A representative from the City of Edinburgh Council added, "It was terrific and it was great to be part of the celebrations."

SSAFA extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, performers, and guests who made the event a success — a powerful reflection of 140 years of steadfast support for those who serve, have served and will serve.