Inverness honours Armed Forces Day with flag raising ceremony
A flag raising ceremony took place today (Tuesday, 20 June 2017) at Highland Council headquarters in Inverness to mark Armed Forces Day.
Armed Forces Day takes place this year on Saturday 24 June. Armed Forces Day celebrations began across the country from Monday 19th June onwards when the Armed Forces Day flag is raised on buildings and famous landmarks.
Due to the ongoing renovation works at Inverness Town House, Members of the City of Inverness Area Committee hosted their flag raising event today at Council headquarters on Glenurquhart Road.
Provost and Leader of Inverness and Area Cllr Helen Carmichael welcomed all gathering at the headquarters flagpole, she said: “We are honouring our armed forces today in Inverness with this simple flag raising ceremony to recognise the work that they do protecting our communities and country. We give our humble support in this time honoured way to show our appreciation for the troops and their families.
“Highland Council is signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant which demonstrates how Government, businesses and communities support Armed Forces Personnel past and present throughout the years.”
Provost Carmichael addresses the gathering at the flag raising ceremony
Rev Stewart MacKay Padre to the 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) gave the address and the Inverness Military Wives Choir (led by their Musical Conductor Kieran Forsyth) sang “Bring him home”.
Cllr Roddy Balfour, Armed Forces Veterans Champion said: “It’s an important privilege that Highland Council has to remember the many thousands from the Highlands who gave their lives in the two World Wars and conflicts since and to show our continuing support for the Armed Forces.”
Joining members of The Highland Council at the flag raising ceremony were pupils from Millburn High School and Inverness High School along with forces representatives from 3 Scots, 7 Scots, Royal Air Force, and the Royal Navy. Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service and Royal British Legion (Scotland) Inverness Branch representatives were also in attendance.
Highland Council, Civic & Facilities Team Leader, Scott Taylor played the “Green Hills of Tyrol” on the bagpipes as the Armed Forces Day flag was raised by Paul Wilson Chair of the Royal British Legion (Scotland) Inverness Branch.