Military parade taking place to mark Armed Forces Day

Stirling is due to mark Armed Forces Day this year (Saturday 29 June) as people across the country reflect on the contributions of the armed forces.

Armed Forces Day military parade
The procession will take place following a thanksgiving church service at the Church of the Holy Rude.

The Royal British Legion Scotland, in collaboration with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum, have led on arranging Stirling’s Armed Forces Day event which will consist of a thanksgiving church service at the Church of the Holy Rude followed by a procession.

Following the church service at 10.30am, the parade will set off from Church of the Holy Rude just before noon headed to the bottom of Corn Exchange Road.

The event is open to all, with serving and formerly serving members of the armed forces welcome and encouraged to attend the service and parade.

National Chairman of the Royal British Legion Scotland, Lt Cdr (Retd.) Martyn Hawthorn MBE RN said: "Military life can be isolated and at times lonely for the servicing personnel and also the veteran. It is important that we celebrate Armed Forces Day to mark the service of men and women, past and present, in the Armed Forces and to thank them for what they do and did."

'Historical strong connections'  

As Stirling celebrates its 900th anniversary this year, Stirling’s historical strong connections to the military and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regiment remains as significant as ever.

Armed Forces Day is a UK-wide Ministry of Defence initiative to honour and celebrate the work of the armed forces and those who support them. It aims to raise awareness about the contributions of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, reservists, veterans, cadets and the wider armed forces community, including service families.

John Bell, the Stirling Branch Secretary of Legion Scotland said: “It is an honour for the local branch of the Legion to be asked to help facilitate along with others this year’s Stirling Armed Forces Day event.”

Any member of the armed forces, not part of a formally organised group, who wishes to participate in the parade, should make their way to the Church of the Holy Rude for 11.35am on Saturday 29 June. For any additional queries, please contact stirlingevents@stirling.gov.uk.