Major General David Shaw: We salute you for all the support

This city has an association with the armed forces that goes back centuries. Many regiments were raised here and some of those, in their present-day form, will be participating today.

At the heart of the city is the Castle. It still operates today as a Garrison Headquarters, administering and looking after the welfare of soldiers based inand around Edinburgh. It is from the Castle that we fire ceremonial gun salutes throughout the year to commemorate important anniversaries and from where the famous One o'Clock Gun is fired.

Troops from Edinburgh have been busy as usual this year, with the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS) having just returned from a successful operational tour in Afghanistan.

The Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, including elements from Scotland, are centre stage in the operation to protect civilians in Libya and Arbroath-based 45 Commando Royal Marines are currently in Helmand Province.

Others from across Scotland, from all three branches of thearmed forces, have been supporting the training of those deploying and those looking after the troops and families who remain at home.

Public support for our armed forces and veterans is vital for the morale of the troops and their dependants, and we are grateful for the support you give. It sustains the soldier, sailor or airman in their remote patrol base or airfield in Afghanistan, or ship in the Gulf.

Today's parade in Edinburgh is the national focus and we thank the city council, the Scottish Government and sponsors for all the arrangements they have made.

The events in Edinburgh, along with others around the UK to mark Armed Forces Day, are an opportunity for the public to join our service personnel, their families and friends to acknowledge what they do in support of our nation.

Many exciting events will take place over the weekend in Edinburgh and all across the UK in the city and I urge everyone to get involved.