City bosses are being urged to push for Aberdeen to host a national celebration of the country’s armed forces.
The secretary of the north-east’s branch of charity SSAFA – formerly the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association – has called for them to bid to hold the official Armed Forces Day event in 2021.
More than one million people are expected to line the streets across the UK today to pay tribute to serving troops, cadets and veterans, including more than 250,000 at the national event in Salisbury.
Next year it will take place in Scarborough, with bids opening for the 2021 event later this year.
Secretary of the Aberdeenshire and Kincardine branch of SSAFA, Ian Gossip, has said the north-east’s strong military background would make it an excellent choice for the celebration.
He said: “In this area we have a strong history and proud record of supporting the services both in peacetime and at times of conflict.
“RAF Lossiemouth is one of the quick reaction alert stations tasked with policing UK airspace as well as supporting operations worldwide.
“Then there is the Faslane base, home of the submarine service, and in Aberdeen at Gordon Barracks we have a number of units that undertake service-related training and exercises.”
Mr Gossip, whose team helps provide emotional, practical and financial support to serving personnel and veterans, added: “The last three national events have all been held in England, but Scotland has supported the armed forces in all the campaigns as well.
“They might think of Edinburgh or Glasgow as being a better venue but if you don’t ask, you don’t get.”
In November the city council signed a covenant pledging a range of commitments to the armed forces.
This included offering members a specific portion of new-build council houses and creating specific employment support services.
It also promises that the city will also take part in Armed Forces Day, with a pipe band and parade taking place in Union Street from 11am today.
Lord Lieutenant Barney Crockett, who will take the salute when parade passes the Town House, said: “I think my political colleagues might be very encouraged to look at bidding for the event.
“The armed forces said we set the standard for supporting them and there’s nowhere in Britain that does more than this city.
“Everyone in Aberdeen takes great pride in what we do for them.”
