Moray Council marks Emergency Services Day 2023
Moray Council has raised the Emergency Services Day flag above its Headquarters in Elgin to observe the national day, which takes place annually on 9 September.
The flag raising followed a two minute silence to remember emergency service personnel killed as a result of their service.
The UK-wide awareness day, also known as 999Day, promotes the work of the emergency services, promotes using the emergency services responsibly, educates the public about basic lifesaving skills, and promotes the many career and volunteering opportunities available.
Volunteers are an essential part of the emergency services family and they play a core part in keeping Britain safe. 999 volunteer roles include; Special Constables, Retained Firefighters, NHS Community Responders, St John Ambulance, RNLI, Search and Rescue and Coastguard volunteers.
Moray Council Civic Leader, Cllr John Cowe, was joined by Andrew Simpson, Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire, and by Major General Seymour Monro, Lord-Lieutenant of Moray, as well as representatives from the emergency services in Moray, including NHS Grampian, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service, the RNLI, and Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (MIRO).
Cllr Cowe said: “Every day of the year we’re grateful to those individuals who dedicate their lives to working and volunteering in the NHS and emergency services but today we dedicate extra time to thank them for their selflessness and dedication.
“Emergency service workers do an excellent job — even beyond what is expected, at times risking their own lives, to protect us on a daily basis. Today we highlight the commitment and sacrifices made by those special individuals and I give my thanks on behalf of Moray Council.”
Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire, Mr Andrew Simpson, revealed he had recently suffered health problems and had to be taken to hospital by ambulance where he underwent emergency surgery.
He said he owed a debt of gratitude to the emergency services and was honoured to be in attendance at the ceremony.
He said: “Receiving help when we have needed it deepens our recognition of the vital role the emergency services perform in our communities.
“To each and every person who is involved with these organisations, I want to say thank you.”
In attendance:
Liz Tait, Professional Lead for Clinical Governance, NHS Grampian,
Corinne McCrory, Moray Area Service Manager, Scottish Ambulance Service
Inspector Neil Morrison, Elgin Community Policing Team, Police Scotland
David Hendry, Group Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Mark Witkowski, Station Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
John Low, Chairman, Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation
Anne Scott, Operations Manager, RNLI Buckie
Davie Grant, Coxswain and Mechanic, RNLI Buckie
Roddy Burns, Chief Executive, Moray Council
Rhona Gunn, Depute Chief Executive, Economy, Environment & Finance, Moray Council
Cllr John Cowe, Civic Leader, Moray Council
Cllr Kathleen Robertson, Council Leader
Seymour Monro, Moray Lord-Lieutenant
Andrew Simpson, Banffshire Lord-Lieutenant