Arran is flying the flag
Arran joined in worldwide celebrations and raised a flag for the Commonwealth last week.
At exactly 10am on Monday March 13 the Commonwealth flag was hoisted at on the flagpole at Brodick pier. The honour went to Innes Thorborn of the Arran detachment of the Army Cadet Force who was joined at the ceremony by Finlay Elliot, Rory Currie and Ciara Wood, Sgt Karen Ward and officers from the mainland.
The Arran detachment, which is part of the West Lowland Battalion, was given the honour of flying the flag for the battalion.
Members of the Army Cadet Force across the UK raised flags at the same time and there were also ceremonies across the Commonwealth. Members of the recently reformed Arran branch of the Royal British Le- gion were also present with Ted Godfrey reading out a personal message from the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Patricia Scotland QC, and a specially written Commonwealth Affirmation.
The Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth initiative, now in its fourth year, again caught the imagination of thousands of participants from all walks of life, inspiring them to join with others throughout the Commonwealth. As a collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, it enables participants to show appreciation for the values the Commonwealth upholds, and the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth young and old citizens around the world.
The ACF’s deputy commander cadets, Brigadier Matthew Lowe, said: ‘The Army Cadets is one of the UK’s leading voluntary youth organisations with a mission to inspire young people – from all sorts of backgrounds – to challenge their limits, become more independent, confident and able to step up to any challenge. Many of our cadets go on to pursue civilian careers but they do so having taken on board the Army’s values of selfless commitment, courage, discipline, integrity, loyalty and respect for others – great values for any citizen. Our cadets also develop a strong understanding of the importance of international peace and security which makes us especially proud to be playing such a key role in the Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth celebration.’
The Arran cadets meet at the detachment in Auchrannie Road every Saturday from 11am to 1pm and anyone aged between 12 and 18 years can join.