Badenoch and Strathspey celebrates Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day is being celebrated at Kingussie on 21st June with a combination of events that local Highland councillors hope will attract the crowds.

The occasion begins at 9:45am at the Gynack Gardens. It celebrates the bravery and commitment of our serving forces. The Badenoch and Strathspey Pipe Band will play as people arrive and then lead the parade, organised by local branches of the Royal British Legion. Scottish National President of the Legion, Lt. General Sir Alistair Irwin, is attending.

The high point will be a flypast by 15 squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth, which has been in operation 70 years this year.

Station Commander, Group Captain Andrew Hine said: “We are delighted that our flying programme has allowed us to support one of our local Armed Forces Day events, as part of a routine sortie. We are tremendously grateful for the continued support that the local community give us, particularly during this very busy year of operational deployments.”

Highland Councillor Jaci Douglas who has four daughters attending local schools said: “We are delighted to have 120 youngsters attending the event. If their parents and grandparents can come along, it will show how much all generations appreciate our armed forces.”

The Deputy Lord Lieutenant Fergus Laing will receive the commemorative standard from Councillor Gregor Rimell. Serving officers will raise the flag, which will fly for a week. Pipers and drummers will lead the parade.

Afterwards there are light refreshments at the Duke of Gordon Hotel, where George Gibson, Legion Branch Chairman Kingussie, has organised an exhibition about the Battle of Britain. Newtonmore Primary school children will entertain with a World War Two song selection.