The contribution of Moray’s military to the region has been praised as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations.
It is estimated that about 15% of the area’s population is made up of service personnel, veterans and reservists.
Events took place across the country on Saturday to mark Armed Forces Day, which was created to allow people to show support for those serving and those who have served in the military.
Moray Council has backed the Armed Forces Covenant, which aims to encourage communities to support the RAF and Army personnel stationed in Lossiemouth and Kinloss while ensuring military families are not disadvantaged when it comes to jobs, housing, health and education.
Donald Gatt, the authority’s armed forces champion, served in the RAF for 23 years.
He said: “As a veteran myself, I can understand what service men and woman go through.
“At the drop of a hat they can be put somewhere else in the world and the whole thing about the Armed Forces Covenant is to ensure that local government services recognise the contribution of the armed forces and ensure that they get fair play.”
Moray’s military population is expected to grow next year as crews begin arriving to operate the P-8 Poseidon aircraft that will be based at RAF Lossiemouth.
Mr Gatt added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming the trained personnel and their families to Moray and the valued contribution they’ll make to the local economy.”
