WHILE most of the UK marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day with a public holiday next Friday, it's emerged there will be no holiday on that date in Argyll and Bute.
The UK Government announced in June 2019 that the early May holiday date would switch from Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8, to coincide with the anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.
But Argyll and Bute has published a notice stating that it will operate to public holiday arrangements on the ordinary Monday date.
And a council spokesperson confirmed that was the case, although most of the celebrations planned to mark the VE Day anniversary have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The council spokesperson said: “Our May Day holiday is always taken on the first Monday of the month, so we made the decision to retain this date and mark the VE day anniversary in other ways.
“It is extremely sad that commemoration events across the country will now no longer take place due to Covid-19.
“However, it is important that we still take this opportunity to take a moment and honour those who sacrificed their lives for us during World War Two.
“Important service information for Monday, May 4 can be found on our website."
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Bin collections will continue during the Monday date, and the council’s Caring for People coronavirus helpline will remain accessible on 01546 605524 from 10am to 1pm.
Other services will also be available by phone.
Commemorations of the anniversary will now include an online service of remembrance, a two minute silence, a video message from the Frist Minister, a concert and a televised address by the Queen.
Announcing the change of holiday date last June, the then business secretary Greg Clark MP said: “VE Day marked an historic moment in not only our nation’s, but the world’s history and it is important that we commemorate this great occasion on its 75th anniversary, honouring those who did their duty – whether on the battlefields of Europe or through their efforts and sacrifices here at home.
“Moving next year’s early May bank holiday to VE Day itself is a right and fitting tribute.
"It will ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to remember and honour our heroes of the Second World War and reflect on the sacrifices of a generation.”
People across the UK had been expected to take part in street parties and other celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
However, these plans have now been scrapped due to the coronavirus crisis, as has a planned procession in London.
The war in Europe formally ended when the German Instrument of Surrender was signed in Karlshorst, Berlin on May 8, 1945 by representatives of the Flensburg Government, the Allied Expeditionary Force and the Soviet Supreme High Command as well as French and US government witnesses.
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