Hundreds gather to show support for armed forces
THE GREAT and the good assembled in Lochgilphead last Saturday to join many other people showing support for our armed forces, past and present.
As the only such event to be held in Argyll and Bute, groups travelled from Dunoon, Campbeltown, Oban and many other parts to the Mid Argyll town to be part of the occasion.
More than 500 local people turned out in bright sunshine at Lochgilphead front green for a special day that began with a parade along Argyll Street to Poltalloch Street.
Chests puffed with pride, military veterans marched behind Mid Argyll Pipe Band, joined on parade by members of the Royal British Legion Campbeltown branch, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Association, army cadets from around Argyll, coastguard personnel and Oban sea cadets. Mid Argyll Round Table members provided stewards for the day,
Councillor Donnie McMillan took the salute from the parade - under the inimitable direction of Colour Sergeant David Rhodick - with the region’s MP Brendan O’Hara, Michael Russell MSP, Argyll and Bute provost Len Scoullar and councillor Sandy Taylor alongside.
In a significant feather in the event’s cap, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders ACF commandant, Colonel Brian Hume, chose to attend Lochgilphead rather than a larger Armed Forces Day celebration in Stirling.
With all kinds of events held across the UK over a number of weeks, Armed Forces Day is designed to be a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community - from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.
While old friends and comrades met up and chatted over a coffee or something stronger, there was plenty to keep everyone amused among the various stalls set up on the front green - and the occasion was topped off by beautiful weather.
Chairman of Lochgilphead Armed Forces Day Geordie Rhodick said: ‘A big thank you to our volunteers and everyone who travelled from near and far to help make the sixth Lochgilphead Armed Forces Day another success. Thanks as well to local shops for donating prizes and decorating their windows. The local community gives us great support year after year, and we thank people for all their help.’
Colonel Hume echoed Mr Rhodick’s view. ‘This has been an absolutely fantastic day,’ he said. ‘There has been a good crowd of people here and the weather just puts the icing on the cake.’
MORE than 500 people enjoyed last Saturday’s Armed Forces Day celebrations in Lochgilphead - the only event of its kind in Argyll and Bute.
A selection of photographs from the beautifully sunny occasion is published in this week’s edition. Look out for more Armed Forces Day pictures in next Friday’s Argyllshire Advertiser.