In pictures: Armed Forces Day in Scotland

The flag is raised at City Chambers in Edinburgh for Armed Forces Day. Picture: Hemedia

Towns and cities across the country are holding parades, civic receptions and flypasts to celebrate the contribution of thousands of veterans as well as those currently serving.

Edinburgh flew the official Armed Forces Day flag above its City Chambers today after it was escorted down the Royal Mile by the National Standards of the Royal British Legion Scotland and presented to the city’s Deputy Lord Provost Deidre Brock.

She said: “This city has a long and proud tradition of supporting the Armed Forces and today we have raised the flag above the City Chambers to serve as poignant reminder of all those who have fought on our behalf.

Members of the Scots and Coldstream Guards at Westminster. Picture: PA

“We owe a huge debt to both serving personnel and veterans for the risks that they take to keep us safe and I’m looking forward to Armed Forces Day where we can show our gratitude.”

The capital will host a veteran, cadet and military parade from the Grassmarket to the Ross Theatre in Princes Street Gardens on Armed Forces Day itself Saturday.

In Aberdeen, massed pipes and drums, more than 40 veteran associations and serving personnel from the Army, RAF and Royal Navy will march down Union Street.

A flypast by one of the RAF’s newest fast jets will form the centrepiece of Dundee’s celebrations.

The Typhoon from RAF Leuchars will make a pass over City Square just after 1pm and the salute will be taken in Reform Street by Lord Provost Bob Duncan.

A Spitfire flypast planned in Stirling last Saturday had to be cancelled because of the weather conditions but locals turned out for the traditional march past and tug-o-war.

Moray also held its Armed Forces Day a week ahead of the UK-wide celebration with a parade and military displays in Lossiemouth.

Nottingham is acting as a hub for the national event this Saturday, the fifth annual Armed Forces Day.