Monday 24 – Saturday 29 June saw various events taking place throughout the UK to mark Armed Forces Week, highlighting Regulars and Reservists alike across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and thanking them for all that they do.
In the Lowlands, there was no shortage of events and activities to celebrate the hard work and commitment of the Armed Forces Community.
For many Forces-friendly organisations, the week began with the raising of Armed Forces Week flags. Many employers also encouraged any serving Reservists in their teams to come to work in uniform as a way to raise awareness and inspire conversations among colleagues about Reserve life and work.
Armed Forces Week also included a number of parades with Regulars, Reservists, veterans and Cadets turning out in full force. Members of East Kilbride and Dumfries & Dalbeattie Sea Cadets were praised for their smart turnout at local parades and events, while Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets from Lothian & Borders and West Lowland Battalions accompanied the Lord-Lieutenants for their respective regions to various Armed Forces events.
Lothian & Borders’ Cadet Company Sergeant Major Bolton joined Lord-Lieutenant Jeanna Swann for a flag-raising ceremony at Scottish Borders Council, and over in Dumfries Cadet Sergeant Brydon-Brown of West Lowland attended a special Armed Forces Day event with Lord-Lieutenant Fiona Armstrong, Lady MacGregor.
On the Reservist front, as well as taking part in Glasgow’s Armed Forces Day parade, HMS Dalriada were delighted to host a Reserves Day event on Wednesday 26 June. Civilian employers from across a range of sectors enjoyed the chance to get some hands-on experience in activities including seamanship, firefighting, leadership skills and weapons handling at the unit’s Govan facility.
The HMS Dalriada team also ended Armed Forces Week on a high note as they received the King’s Coronation Medal from the Lord Provost for the City of Glasgow at City Chambers on Saturday.
