Strang to address Forces Day concerns

Published on Tuesday 30 June 2009 09:44

EDINBURGH East MP Gavin Strang has called for better communications for next year's Armed Forces Day after veterans claimed they were snubbed over the weekend celebrations.

Members of The Royal Naval Association, the Royal Marines Association and the Parachute Regimental Association based in the city said they were not invited to the parade from the Edinburgh Castle through the city centre.

Mr Strang wants to have talks with city council leader Jenny Dawe to avoid a similar situation next year.

He said: "In my view Saturday's march was a success, but we need to address the concerns expressed by these veterans' organisations.

"I attended the parade and spoke to quite a few of the veterans lining the route. It's quite clear many had great difficulty finding out the details of the march. There would have been many more people on the parade had it been properly promoted.

"I have written to Cllr Dawe asking for a meeting to discuss how we improve on the arrangements for Armed Forces Day in 2010."

He said it was not a question of a blame game, but looking at why there was so little information available, adding: "We have to make sure veterans' organisations and others are fully informed and fully involved in preparations next time."