Parades and events held across Scotland to mark Armed Forces Day

Scotland has paid tribute to its servicemen and women as Armed Forces Day is celebrated across the country.

Events were held across Scotland at the culmination of a week of tributes to British troops and their families.

The day is marked to raise awareness of the contribution made by the Army, Navy and RAF, and to allow the public to demonstrate their appreciation.

In Dundee, there was a parade of military personnel, cadets and veterans, and the 1st Battalion Scots Guards marched through the streets in their scarlet tunics and bearskins, with rifles and fixed bayonets.

The parade included Royal Navy personnel from the ship's company of HMS Duncan and a marching contingent from RAF Leuchars.

The Scots Guards were allowed to enter Dundee "with drums beating, Colours flying and bayonets fixed" during the Armed Forces Day parade.

The honour is only usually granted to regiments and battalions who have been given the Freedom of the City.

The forces' flag was flown outside St Andrew's House in Edinburgh, honouring the commitment and contribution of both serving members of the armed forces and veterans.

Celebrations kicked off at lunchtime in the capital, where Princes Street Gardens played host to events including a Royal Air Force Typhoon flypast, music from the Scots Mil Afghan rock band and an inflatable assault course.

About 400 people took part in a charity yomp in Perthshire to raise money for ABF The Soldiers Charity and the Prince's Scottish Youth Trust.

Some yompers will trek 52 miles across Blairgowrie, Kirkmichael, Spittal of Glenshee and Kirkton of Glenisla. Among those taking part is a team of five Gurkhas.

In Aberdeen, a parade of 1000 serving, veteran and cadet force personnel marched through the streets. The parade included massed pipes and drums and vintage military vehicles.

Representatives from the Army, RAF and Royal Navy marched side by side in the largest Armed Forces parade in the city's history.

A salute was taken by the Lord Provost councillor George Adam, Lieutenant General Sir Peter Graham, the last Colonel of the Gordon Highlanders regiment, and Lieutenant Colonel Matt Thorp MBE from Aberdeen University's training corps.

Cllr Adam said: "This parade is a great way for the people of Aberdeen to show their support for the Armed Forces and veterans, as it lets them see how much they are respected and admired, and it shows our gratitude for the self-sacrifice of these men and women and in particular the veterans."

'Bravery and commitment'

In Glasgow, a parade of serving personnel, veterans and cadets from all three branches of the Armed Forces marched through the city centre.

The Lowland Band of the Regiment of Scotland and the Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band provided music as the march took place.

The Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty, took a salute at the march past and a flypast from No 6 Squadron RAF joined in the celebrations.

Cllr Docherty said: "The event allows us the opportunity to celebrate the honour, pride and courage of those who have served the military.

"It is always a pleasure to welcome the Armed Forces and their families to our city and to show our support".

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity to show how much we value the contribution made by serving soldiers, veterans and military families, as well as honouring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Armed Forces Day is a fitting way to recognise the bravery and commitment of those who serve."

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: "Armed Forces Day gives us the important opportunity to remember those serving men and women who have sacrificed so much on behalf of our country.

"Those who have given their lives or been injured in conflicts around the world, but those, too, who endure hardships every day.

"Those who are separated from family and from home, who do a dangerous job and take hard decisions with grave consequences.

"Service personnel who have chosen to endure these hardships willingly in the defence of our nation and because they believe that Britain is a force for good in the world.

"We need to thank all those who wear the uniform and serve our country."

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