Anniversary of Quintinshill rail tragedy to be remembered

A series of events will mark the 100th anniversary of the UK's worst rail disaster later this year.

A total of 227 people died when three trains crashed at Quintinshill Bridge near Gretna Green on 22 May 1915.

Plans have been drawn up to open a new roll of honour at Gretna Old Church and to plant a commemorative tree at Gretna Green war memorial.

A descendent of one of the survivors is expected to lay a wreath at the bridge.

There will also be a march to the Quintinshill siding and events involving local primary school children.

Many of those who died in the tragedy were servicemen with the Leith-based Royal Scots, who were travelling to Liverpool before they sailed to Gallipoli.

The events at Gretna on 22 May will be followed by a commemoration in Leith the next day.

They will be included in the national World War One centenary commemoration programme.