Armed Forces Day 2017 in Inverness

Provost Helen Carmichael welcomed Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin, KCB, CBE President of the Royal British Legion Scotland and  members of the Inverness Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland to Inverness Town House (Wednesday 5th October) for a presentation on the Council’s proposals for next summer’s Armed Forces Day event.

For 2017, to once again avoid clashing with the European Pipe Band Championships which takes place on the official Armed Forces Day of Saturday 24 June in Forres, it was agreed that the Highland Capital’s focus will be concentrated on a Gathering at the traditional Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony which will take place outside the Highland Council HQ’s at 11am on Monday 19th June. Following the success of the 2016 Flag Raising Ceremony, it was agreed that Council and Legion Officials would meet with representatives of the Armed Forces and Regimental Associations in January to consider ways in which to enhance the event.

In her capacity as Chieftain of the Inverness Highland Games, the Provost then gave a briefing on the Council’s plans for the 2017 Games in Bught Park which will take place on Saturday 15th July; and will feature a number of stalls and displays organised by Highland based military organisations.

Provost Carmichael said: “We are very grateful to Sir Alistair Irwin and his colleagues for reviewing and supporting the Council’s proposals for next year. We are looking forward to working in partnership with the Royal British Legion Scotland both locally and nationally in the months ahead to finalise the arrangements for two of the most important events in our city’s 2017 summer programme. For the moment our focus is on next month’s Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday events and the delivery of our expanded Winter Festival programme; but we are expecting final details to be available early in the New Year.”

Royal British Legion Scotland President Sir Alistair Irwin said: “The armed forces community, serving and veterans, very much appreciate the support and encouragement of the Council and the people of Inverness.  The proposals for Armed Forces Day next year will underline the great importance of the links between community and military and we greatly welcome them.”