Armed Forces Day line-up revealed

A ROYAL Mile parade, a party in Holyrood Park and a spectacular Red Arrows air display over Leith are just a few of the highlights of Edinburgh's Armed Forces Day, the Evening News can reveal today.

Thousands of servicemen and women will take part in the celebrations on June 25 after the city won the right to host the UK's national Armed Forces Day this year.

The Scottish Government has given Edinburgh an additional 80,000 to fund the weekend, which honours the service to and sacrifice by the armed forces for their country.

A parade has been planned, and although the full details will be kept secret until next month, it is understood that a classical concert at the Usher Hall will also take place.

Armed Forces Day is held in a UK city each year, although last year Edinburgh hosted a smaller event to complement the main celebrations in Cardiff.

Sir David Richards, chief of the defence staff, told the Evening News: "I enjoyed myself immensely at the Armed Forces Day in Edinburgh last year.

"It was a pleasure to meet so many Scots troops and veterans and I have no doubt that this year Edinburgh will again put on a spectacular weekend.

"I know that after the parades are over, the servicemen and women and their families will join the celebrations."

Lord Provost George Grubb added: "It's a great privilege for Edinburgh to be the host city for this year's national event and we are already busy planning to make the day a huge success.

"I would urge everyone to come along and enjoy a great day out supporting our service personnel."

The event is expected to attract crowds from across Scotland and benefit the city economy.

The Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force servicemen and women who take part will be joined by cadets and veterans.

Communities Minister Alex Neil MSP said the event would be a demonstration of how much the public appreciate the armed forces.

He said: "This will be a very special day for military personnel, veterans and members of the public.

"Armed Forces Day gives us all a chance to say thank you and show our armed forces, past and present, how much we appreciate them.

"Now, more than ever, our armed forces need to know that we are supporting them.

"I am very proud that Scotland is leading the celebrations this year and we want to help make this a great event for the city of Edinburgh and everyone involved."