Armed Forces tribute as Moray Council honours military personnel

The council’s Armed Forces and Veterans’ Champion, Cllr Peter Bloomfield, hoisted the flag above the council’s Elgin HQ assisted by Warrant Officer Joe Mulholland, RAF Lossiemouth, and Warrant Officer class 2 Joe Ferries, 39 Engineer Regiment.

They were joined by Moray Council Civic Leader, Cllr John Cowe, Deputy Leader, Cllr Donald Gatt, council Chief Executive, Roddy Burns, and NHS Grampian Armed Forces Champion and General Manager of Dr Gray's Hospital, Alasdair Pattinson.

Cllr Bloomfield said it was an honour to pay tribute to the commitment and dedication of military personnel, veterans and families.

“Moray’s links to the military go back many years and this area continues to be home to a large Armed Forces community. We are proud to fly the Armed Forces Day flag to demonstrate our respect and support for our Armed Forces which defend the UK and its interests on land, at sea and in the skies, undertaking operational duties around the world from peacekeeping to providing humanitarian aid, from enforcing anti-terrorism measures to helping combat the international drugs trade.

“Tomorrow’s Armed Forces Day serves as an opportunity to say thank you to the wider Armed Forces community - including reservists, veterans, cadets and families - for their sacrifices and for the contribution they have made and continue to make to the nation and to our local communities.”

The council is committed to supporting the Armed Forces in all its work. This support has been acknowledged with a Ministry of Defence award which recognises employers who provide exceptional support to defence and the Armed Forces community by going above and beyond their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. The covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly and promotes awareness and understanding of issues affecting the Armed Forces community.

The Armed Forces Day flag will remain flying over the weekend.