Aberdeen will play host to more than 1,000 past and present members of the Army, Royal Air Force and Navy this weekend for two days of events marking the efforts and sacrifices made by Britain’s military.
The annual Armed Forces Day procession will take place in the city centre today, followed by another parade tomorrow for Airborne Forces Day.
Events will be held at the Queen’s Links until 5pm on both days, featuring tanks, armoured cars and helicopters.
There will also be a chance for children and families to dress up in soldiers’ uniforms, handle historical wartime artefacts from the Gordon Highlanders Museum and learn more about military history from historians dressed up in authentic World War I uniforms.
Training Major Derek McEwan, of the Aberdeen Universities Officers Training Corps, which is helping to organise the events, said: “People want to know more about what goes on in the Army, air force and navy, so Armed Forces Day was set up to increase transparency and let people know what we do.
“We’re the biggest unit in the Aberdeen area, so we will be facilitating it, but you’ll be able to see people from all manner of north-east units, including the Royal Marines.
“It’s a way for the public to acknowledge past and present members, and to honour our veterans.”
Lord Provost George Adam said: “This is a day to honour the men and women of our armed forces, past and present and to thank them for their service to the country.
“It’s also a fantastic spectacle and a great day out for the family.”
Today’s parade will start at 11am at Albyn Place, and will head down Union Street to the Castlegate.
Tomorrow’s event will begin at 12.15pm at the St Nicholas graveyard and march along Union Street to King Street.
An Aberdeen visitor attraction is to honour the Gordon Highlanders regiment’s 200 years of service to the British Army.
The Bydand event – which takes its name from the regimental motto – will be held at the Gordon Highlanders Museum on July 11.