Flag flown to signal Armed Forces Day countdown

Glasgow's new Lord Provost Eva Bolander, joined military personnel in George Square to witness the Armed Forces Day Flag being flown from the City Chambers.

The Lord Provost, in her role as Lord Lieutenant, welcomed Warrant Officer Steve Worsfold (Royal Navy) Lieutenant Colonel Haydn Pritchard (Army) and Squadron Leader Archie McCallum (Royal Air Force) to the city for the flag raising event.

The Armed Forces Day flag ceremony is held annually to signal the city's forthcoming Armed Forces Day (AFD). This year's AFD event will involve the Lord Provost hosting a civic reception for serving military, cadets and veterans at the City Chambers at 12.30pm on Saturday 27 June when a new Armed Forces Covenant will be signed.

The Lord Provost, in her capacity as Lord Lieutenant, will sign the covenant alongside the Council Leader Susan Aitken, Colonel Martin Gibson, Executive Chaiman of Veterans Scotland, Helen Macneil, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector, Neil Amner President of the Chamber of Commerce and Lieutenant Colonel Shannon, Commanding Officer, Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities' Officer Training Corps.

There will be no Armed Forces Day Parade or Fun Day in the Square because the Ministry of Defence has withdrawn the event.

The Lord Provost said: "Glasgow City Council is a long-time supporter of the armed forces. Glasgow was the first local authority in Scotland to hold an Armed Forces Day and we're keen to demonstrate our continuing commitment to our military personnel, past and present, by signing up to a new Armed Forces Covenant.

Leading up to AFD the Lord Provost will visit army reservists from 52nd Lowland, 6th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (6 SCOTS) at Maryhill and Royal Navy reservists  at HMS Dalriada in Govan to demonstrate the city's enduring gratitude for, and pride in our brave servicemen and women past and present.