Events are being held around Scotland to commemorate those who died in the Battle of the Somme on the centenary of the conflict.

The offensive was intended to achieve a decisive victory for the British and French against Germany's forces in the First World War.

But after 18 weeks of bloody fighting, Allied troops had advanced less than ten miles into German-held territory.

When the battle ended on November 18, British and Commonwealth troops had suffered 420,000 casualties, with 19,240 dying on the first day alone. French losses numbered around 205,000 and the German army suffered 465,000 casualties.

On Friday, an overnight candlelit vigil will come to an end at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle.

At 7.28am the one o'clock gun will be fired to mark the moment mines were blown up under the German lines, signifying the beginning of the first assault.

A whistle used in the battle will then be blown by the grandson of its original owner to mark the moment British soldiers went over the top.

In Glasgow, paving stones remembering two local soldiers who won Victoria Crosses in the battle will be unveiled.

Wreaths will be laid at the People's Palace in Glasgow Green to remember Sgt James Turnball at 12:30pm and, an hour later, drummer James Ritchie.

An overnight vigil will also come to an end in Banchory, Aberdeenshire, and will be followed by wreath laying at the Burgh and Gordon Highlander Memorials.

And in Dundee the Law war memorial will be lit to mark the Somme commemorations from 6am until midnight.

Memorials and ceremonies are also being held around the rest of the UK and in France.

The Queen and senior royals will lead the nation in commemorating the Battle of the Somme by attending services in both countries.

At Westminster Abbey the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will join the congregation for an evening commemoration - on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle.

And in France the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry will attend a vigil in memory of the fallen.

Around the UK people will fall silent for two minutes during Friday morning to remember those who fought and lost their lives.