Leader: 'An opportunity to celebrate and reflect'

As a barracks city with a long and proud military history, the Capital was the perfect choice to host the third annual Armed Forces Day.

The serving personnel, veterans and cadets taking part are guaranteed the warmest of welcomes here.

It seems odd in some ways that an event of this kind has only been held twice before, especially given our staunch Remembrance Day traditions.

There is certainly a place for both events, as today offers a different, broader focus than is possible on Poppy Day.

It offers a long overdue opportunity to show our appreciation of the current service community, their skills, dedication and self-sacrifice.

But it is also a chance to reflect on their lot, to think about how we treat them and what their role should be in the years ahead.

It is an appropriate time to ask questions about the dramatic restructuring of the services which is taking place right now, including the closure of Scottish military bases.

Since the Gulf War was won, the Royal Navy has halved in size, the army has lost a third of its strength, and the Royal Air Force almost two thirds.

Will our leaner modern military be properly equipped or not to protect the national interest in an extremely uncertain world?

Our thoughts too should turn to the selfless individuals who serve and how we treat them, especially after their military days are over.

Today's story of Rifleman Daniel Rougvie, who has been told to make himself and his wife homeless in order to get a council house, is a timely reminder that they are not always looked after as they should be. That is just one example right here on our doorstep of how we could help in a very practical way.

Besides, too many dedicated men and women find themselves on the scrapheap after returning to civilian life. Surely, we can find a better way of utilising all the skills and self-discipline that are instilled by a military career?