Sunshine salute for Armed Forces Day

The annual event celebrates and remembers members of the armed forces both past and present, as well as giving civilians a taste of military life.

East Renfrewshire provost Alastair Carmichael welcomed visitors, followed by a flag-raising at the park’s refurbished pavilion.

He said: “I was absolutely delighted to be back at Armed Forces Day. It’s particularly important to celebrate all our armed forces this year — it’s an extra special year as we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

“It was great to see people come out in such numbers to join in the event and I’m sure everyone had a wonderful time.”

Attractions throughout the day included military vehicles, assault courses, military costumes, World War Two kitchen and birds of prey, as well as historical re-enactments and entertainment from the Gillian Anderson Dance School and the Kings Division and Neilston Pipe Band.

Veterans from Barrhead were also on hand at the Pavilion to share their memories and experiences of life in the military.

Over in Glasgow, lord provost Sadie Docherty marked the start of the city’s Armed Forces Day celebrations by raising the AFD flag on the roof of city chambers on Monday.

The celebration takes place in George Square on Sunday, and will include military displays and performances from groups such as The Kennedy Cupcakes, The Poppy Girls and The Waterfront.The lord provost commented: “Every year Glasgow puts on a great show and we are always delighted to welcome the armed forces and their families to our city for a day of celebration.

“This is the sixth year AFD has taken place and it is an opportunity for us to raise awareness of the armed forces and the important role they play.”