Capital joins in celebration of nation’s services

HUNDREDS of military personnel and civilians gathered in the Capital to put on shows for Armed Forces Day.

On the fourth annual celebration of the contribution of the country’s soldiers, central Edinburgh played host to a range of events, including a parade, a fly-past by a Royal Air Force Typhoon and entertainment from acts such as the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The forces’ flag was also flown outside St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh, honouring the commitment of serving members of the armed forces and veterans.

Captain Paul Collis-Smith, 38, director of music of the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, which marched through Princes Street Gardens on Saturday and performed a series of rock, jazz and soul tracks on the Ross Theatre stage, said: “It was a good day, hampered a bit by the weather but well attended. It’s a high priority for us to perform at events such as this – it’s a reminder of what the armed forces do and where we are in the world.”

The day also saw a Ross Theatre performance by the West Edinburgh Majorettes, run by mother-of-five Adeline Johnston, 46, who said: “The kids have been working so hard since we formed in January to get to the standard of other troops who’ve been doing it for years – it was such an emotional day.”

Scotland Office minister David Mundell, who attended the parade in Edinburgh, said: “Saturday’s events are a fitting tribute to our nation’s serving and former service personnel who have displayed outstanding acts of courage and loyalty in defence of their country.”