Sun shines on AFD event in Alloa

A warm and sunny Alloa was the venue for the Clackmannanshire Armed Forces Day Parade on June 1. 

As invited guests and children from local primary schools took their positions, the parade of Cadets from Dollar Academy Combined Cadet Force, the Clackmannan Company of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Number 383 (Alloa) Squadron of the Air Training Corps and other youth organisations, led by Dollar Academy Pipes and Drums, made its way through Alloa town centre to the Town Hall.

They were met there by the Lord-Lieutenant, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Johnny Stewart, accompanied by Colonel Stephanie Jackman, Assistant Commander of the 51^st Infantry Brigade.

Also taking part were Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets – Cadet Sergeant Jonny Haywood of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and Cadet Flight Sergeant Andrea Paterson of 383 Squadron of the Air Training Corps. Both said that they were very pleased and excited to be part of the proceedings.

The Royal Regiment of Scotland’s popular mascot, Lance Corporal Cruachan IV, was impeccably behaved throughout, under the careful eye of Pony Major Corporal Mark Wilkinson. Cruachan IV’s predecessor Cruachan III was also present.

Other guests included Royal British Legion Scotland Clackmannanshire and District representatives and veterans.

The Lord-Lieutenant welcomed all those present, saying he ‘was delighted so many had come’.

He was pleased that, since 2006 when the annual event had been inaugurated with the aim of ensuring that the contribution made by our veterans was never forgotten, it had gone from strength to strength. This year the focus was on the centenary of the great naval Battle of Jutland, which cost over 9000 allied and German lives.

Following the flag-raising ceremony, the parade was dismissed and invited guests – including HRFCA representatives – retired to the Town Hall for refreshments, and for the Lord-Lieutenant to once again thank everybody for coming.

He also awarded certificates to schoolchildren whose handmade flags had been judged the most colourful.

The Armed Forces flag will be raised again on Friday 24^th of June for one week to mark Armed Forces Day.