In a remarkable show of respect, a courageous bagpiper ascended the rooftop of one of Scotland’s renowned railway stations to pay tribute to our military forces.
Musician Graeme Bell certainly made a mark by being the first performer to provide a live spectacle, a lofty 50 feet above the bustling platforms of Glasgow Central Station.
Lance Corporal Graeme Bell, who is affiliated with the Royal Signals, treated passing commuters to a series of laments as a token of respect for the innumerable troops who had passed through the station throughout its 145 years of existence – an unfortunate number of whom were never to come back home.
Graeme expressed, “The opportunity to pay a musical tribute to those who preceded us, right up here, feels like an immense privilege. It’s crucial for us to remember our history and our departed friends. Celebrating our heritage shouldn’t be restricted to Remembrance Sunday in November.”
“For some people, every day is Remembrance Day. The rich military legacy of Glasgow Central Station made this occasion notably poignant. This location functioned not only as a transit hub but also a vital part of the country’s infrastructure and heritage during wartime. It was undoubtedly one of the loftiest locations I have ever performed at. Although it was a bit nerve-wracking initially, the breathtaking views made it worth the effort.”
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Glasgow Central Station carries a profound military history and is closely connected with the armed forces, particularly during both World Wars. During the First World War, it served as a significant hub for the movement of troops. Soldiers from across Scotland were transported to this station before being deployed to the European front lines.
The station also houses a war memorial, dedicated to the Caledonian Railway employees who lost their lives in World War I. A platform was also temporarily used as a mortuary for fallen soldiers during the war. The monumental building was again instrumental in transporting troops during World War II and in facilitating the evacuation of civilians, especially children, from cities and towns to the countryside, helping them escape Luftwaffe bombing raids. A heartfelt tribute in the form of 156 memorial plaques was unveiled on platform one a couple of years back, which signifies the lives of men and women in the armed forces.
The station manager, Drew Burns, expresses: “Celebrating and commemorating this station’s proud military legacy is invariably an honor. We’ve certainly never witnessed a piper perform atop this station before. It was a memorable day indeed.”
Boasting one of the world’s largest glazed roofs comprised of 48,000 individual panes of glass covering an area of about 6.8 acres, Glasgow Central Station is truly a sight to behold.
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