Armed Forces Day in Forres – a small ceremony celebrating a big role

Armed Forces Day was marked in Forres with a small ceremony at the war memorial.

Members of the British Legion accompanied Sergeant Major Neil Stevenson and Major Jessica Drew from 39 Engineer Regiment, Kinloss along with a piper and Drum Major from Forres and District Pipe Band.

The ceremony was scaled down due the coronavirus pandemic.

Moray Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Donald Gatt – himself an RAF veteran – hoisted the flag above the council HQ in Elgin, assisted by Lance Corporal  Robinson from 39 Engineer Regiment at Kinloss, SAC Katherine Audin from RAF Lossiemouth and Moray Council chief executive Roddy Burns.

Moray Councillor Donald Gatt, himself an RAF veteran, said that the armed forces community in Moray is treasured.

“Moray has been synonymous with the military for many, many years and its personnel – serving and veteran – play a major part in the make- up of our community,” he said, referencing Kinloss Barracks and RAFV Lossiemouth.

“As a council we work closely with both bases to ensure our services meet the needs of personnel and their families, and their presence in Moray has raised the area’s profile in many arenas.”

Commanding Officer of 39 Engineer Regiment, Lt Col Jamie Stuart said:

“The whole 39 Engineer Regiment family are very grateful for the way we are integrated into, and supported by the local community.”

“Close communication with the local community and our work providing COVID-19 Mobile Testing Units is a further demonstration of how we all support each other routinely and in these trying times.”