Commonwealth flag flying high in East Renfrewshire

Provost Carmichael raised one of the 850 Commonwealth flags that are flying in locations throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories, and Commonwealth countries as part of the day of recognition.

Joined by Lord Lieutenant Guy Clark and primary seven pupils from Busby Primary, the Provost read out a special Commonwealth Affirmation message before raising the flag at 9.30am outside the council headquarters in Giffnock.

The ‘Fly a Flag’ event marks a collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth. It enables participants to show appreciation for the values the Commonwealth upholds, and the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth citizens around the world.

Provost Carmichael said: “Today’s event is an opportunity for each of us to mark Commonwealth Day, wherever we may be, and to consider at the same time the personal and communal contributions we can make towards shaping the future we share.

“All of us can find mutual enrichment through establishing links with others across the full spectrum of Commonwealth countries. I was delighted that the pupils from Busby Primary were also able to part of this event, as we look to educate future generations about the importance of collaboration and integration.”

Commonwealth Flags were also flown at many locations of special significance including ceremonies on the Island of the Republic of Malta; in Tristan Da Cunha, the most remote of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories; in St David’s in Pembrokeshire, the westernmost city in Wales; in Carlisle in Cumbria, the northernmost city in England; in Lowestoft in Suffolk, the easternmost town in England; in Unst in the Shetland Islands, the most northerly inhabited island in Scotland; at the Rothera Research Station on the Antarctic Peninsula and at the Halley VI Research Station.