Six Scottish beaches have been selected to take part in filmmaker Danny Boyle’s UK-wide event to mark the centenary of the end of World War One.

The Slumdog Millionaire director is asking people to gather on certain beaches across the UK and Ireland on Armistice Day, November 11, to remember those who died during the Great War.

On the beaches, a large-scale portrait of a casualty from the conflict will be drawn in the sand and washed away as the tide comes in.

The public can also join in at the informal event by “creating silhouettes of people in the sand, remembering the millions of lives lost or changed forever by the conflict”.

The six beaches north of the border chosen to be involved are St Ninian’s Isle beach in Shetland, West Sands in St Andrews, Scapa beach in Orkney, Ayr beach, Burghead Bay beach on the Moray Firth and Cula Bay beach on the isle of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides.

The work is commissioned by 14-18 NOW, and is the culmination of the five-year programme of arts commissions marking the First World War centenary, and National Theatre of Scotland is leading the beach events in Scotland.

Jackie Wylie, NTS artistic director and chief executive, said: “The First World War had a devastating impact on Scotland, with tens of thousands of young lives lost and many more forever altered.

“Our nation has an enduring and emotive connection to the sea and our beautiful coastline has seen many come and go throughout history.

“Pages of the Sea will create an artistic tribute, both personal and communal, through art, words, pictures and stories, acknowledging all those who left our shores during WW1.

“As a theatre without walls, the National Theatre of Scotland welcomes this poignant opportunity to help bring communities together in this fitting act of remembrance.”