Helen Liddell laid a wreath

Traditional ceremonies of remembrance took place across Scotland - with the focus in Edinburgh where the Scottish secretary will join Mr Wallace.

Speaking after a service at St Giles Cathedral, Mr Wallace said the terrorist attacks of 11 September added a "greater poignancy" to the services this year.

"People will remember those who lost their lives on 11 September, particularly those in the emergency services who were helping in the rescue effort, but we're acutely aware that our armed forces may well be in action before long," Mr Wallace said.

"This allows us an opportunity to remember and give thanks for those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today."

'Special chord'

Mrs Liddell echoed the acting first minister's views.

"The crowds today were swollen and I think that is because the events of 11 September struck a special chord," she said.

"It's a sign of how our generation has been visited by evil, as we remember those whose bravery stopped evil before."

In Glasgow, in a departure from usual events on this day, supporters of the Scottish Coalition for Justice Not War laid a wreath of white poppies in George Square, in memory of all victims of war and terrorism.

They said the white poppy is not intended as an insult, but as a pledge of peace.

White poppies

Brian Quail, joint secretary of Scottish CND, made a short speech at the event.

Mr Quail said the group had decided on the white poppies as they were originally chosen by the Women's Co-operative in 1933 and to proclaim peace is something everyone can achieve.

He said: "The best memorial we can have for those who died in wars and terrorism is a world where war and violence are no longer considered a legitimate means of resolving disputes.

"Therefore let us renew our pledge to redouble our efforts to build such a world where war is no more than a distant memory."