Services in UK and US mark 25th anniversary of Lockerbie bombing

Services will also be held at Westminster Abbey in London, where Dr Jim Swire, who lost his daughter Flora, will speak, and at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, and Syracuse University, which lost 35 students. One hundred and eighty-nine Americans died in the bombing.

On the eve of the anniversary, David Cameron paid tribute to the "fortitude and resilience" of those affected by the tragedy and told them that terrorism would never prevail.

The Prime Minister said the bombing remained "one of the worst aviation disasters in history and the deadliest act of terrorism" ever committed in the United Kingdom.

He added: "Though 25 years have passed, memories of the 243 passengers, 16 crew and 11 Lockerbie residents who lost their lives on that terrible night have not dimmed.

"To families, friends, neighbours, loved ones, and all those caught up in the painful process of recovery, let us say to them: our admiration for you is unconditional. For the fortitude and resilience you have shown. For your determination never to give up. You have shown that terrorist acts cannot crush the human spirit. That is why terrorism will never prevail.

"And even in the darkest moments of grief, it is possible to glimpse the flickering flame of hope."

Alistair Carmichael, the Scottish Secretary, who will be at Westminster Abbey, said the memory of the shock and horror of the disaster was as strong for him today as it was 25 years ago.

Alex Salmond will attend a wreath laying and memorial service in Lockerbie, as will Lord Wallace of Tankerness, the Advocate General for Scotland.

Kenny MacAsckill, the Justice Minister who controversially freed the only man found guilty of the bombing, will take part in an evening service at Dryfesdale church.

Mr Salmond said the memory of the bombing was sharp for anyone living in Scotland at the time, adding: "On this 25-year anniversary, and as the country prepares once more to relive the harrowing events of that terrible night, it is important that we remember that the pain and suffering of the families and friends of those who died has endured since that winter night in 1988.

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Services in UK and US mark 25th anniversary of Lockerbie bombing