Legion Scotland members and supporters turned out in their hundreds, if not thousands, to mark Armed Forces Day throughout June. In communities across Scotland, veterans, servicepeople, cadets and members of the public united to show their support for the Armed Forces community. 

Here are just a few of the ways in which Armed Forces Day 2024 was commemorated. 

Nairn

Members of Nairn’s Legion Scotland branch held a flag raising ceremony at 10.45am on 24 June. Lord-Lieutenant George Asher, Vice-Lieutenant Scott Gordon, Provost Laurie Fraser and Rev Tommy Bryson were all in attendance, and along with members of the public they watched as the flag ascended into place. It was the responsibility of branch member Ian Macgillivary to raise the flag, while Pipe Major Kevi Reid of Nairn and District Pipe Band played on.

 The Armed Forces Day flag remained in place until the day itself.

 

(image credit: Murray MacRae)

 

Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston

Fresh from their centenary celebrations, the three towns branch of Legion Scotland marked Armed Forces Day on 29 June. Beginning with a service at Saltcoats War Memorial, the day progressed with refreshments, entertainment, karaoke and food. The whole community was invited to attend free of charge as an expression of gratitude for local support during the branch’s important anniversary year.

 

Paul Coffey, Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston branch president, said, “[We are] celebrating our Armed Forces, what has been achieved in the past, what is being achieved today and the Armed Forces achievers of the future – never forgetting those families and supporters without whom the Armed Forces would surely not have achieved as much.”

 

Coldstream

Members of Coldstream branch were represented at the Scottish Borders Council’s annual Armed Forces Day service. Held on 29 June, the service also involved representatives of the Lothian and Borders Army Cadet Force, the 6 SCOTS Army Reserve and others from the Armed Forces community. Lord-Lieutenant Jeanna Swan was also in attendance.

 

Glasgow

A march past the Cenotaph was the pivotal moment of Glasgow’s Armed Forces Day commemorations, which involved serving members of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The procession was jointly led by the Highland and Lowland bands of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Cadets and veterans from all three services were also involved, exceeding in total some 500 servicepeople past, present and future. Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren – who also serves as Lord-Lieutenant – and Baroness Goldie, the Minister of State for Defence in the House of Lords, were also in attendance.

 

McLaren said, “Glasgow's Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to let the incredibly brave and professional men and women in our Armed Forces know how much we appreciate them.

 "It's also a chance for our citizens to demonstrate their pride in our military personnel and our veterans. Inevitably too, our thoughts stray to those far from home, serving in some of the toughest places on Earth.”

 

Edinburgh

A parade was also held in the nation’s capital, one of a series of events to mark Armed Forces Day. Legion Scotland formed a key part of these activities, being led by the band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland through the city to St Andrew Square, where a party was held. This included charity stalls and displays, offering advice and assistance to veterans and their families as well as an opportunity for all to socialise and share stories.