Thousands line streets on Armed Forces Day

Tributes: Veterans in Abderdeen's Armed Forces Day parade down Union Street.Pic: News@STV

Edinburgh will be the focal point of next year's Armed Forces Day when it hosts the celebrations for past and present military personnel.

The announcement was made by Defence Secretary Liam Fox as thousands lined the streets of Scotland to pay tribute to serving soldiers, veterans and young cadets.

The event is held to provide the public with an opportunity for the public to show appreciation to troops who have served and died in conflicts, and First Minister Alex Salmond says he is a "strong" supporter of the day as he welcomed the news for Edinburgh.

Speaking at Aberdeen's celebrations on Saturday Mr Salmond said: "Today, we not only commemorate those who have fallen but also celebrate the commitment of our armed forces, past and present, to this nation.

"Armed Forces Day is a fitting way to ensure that the courage, valour and sacrifice of Scotland's serving armed services and veteran community is properly and appropriately recognised and commemorated.

"It will be a privilege to host this important tribute in Scotland for the first time next year.

"As First Minister of Scotland, I am determined to ensure that we, in turn, honour our commitment to stand by our serving personnel and our veterans.

"Edinburgh will be the focal point for Armed Forces Day in Scotland and across the country next year.

"I think that's right and proper because Scotland has always contributed a huge disproportionate amount to all our armed forces so I welcome that and I'm sure everyone in Scotland will make sure it's a great day."

Edinburgh's Lord Provost George Grubb said plans were already under way to make the occasion "spectacular".

Cardiff was the day's host this year with another 350 events organised throughout the UK including ones in Edinburgh, Glasgow, East Kilbride, Ayr, Dumfries, Dingwall in Ross-shire, and Arbroath and Montrose in Angus.

Also marking Armed Forces Day, SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesman Angus Robertson MP paid tribute to the exceptional and critical work carried out by the armed forces in Scotland and around the world.

As MP for Moray, Mr Robertson represents the most service personnel in Scotland with both RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss in his constituency.

He attended an event in Keith, Banffshire saying: "Our service personnel and their families make huge sacrifices to ensure that our rights, freedoms and way of life are defended and maintained.

"Forces personnel serve our country in all parts of the world, often under the most testing and dangerous circumstances and, regretfully, too often at terrible cost.

"Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity to express our thanks and respect for the sacrifices made on our behalf.

"I have no doubt that the challenges our forces face on the frontline are made a little easier when they know that their communities back home are proud of them and wish them well."

 

BACKGROUND: