Wills to lead the charge as Britain gathers its Forces
DAVID Cameron and Prince William have been lined up to lead a massive celebration of British patriotism just weeks ahead of the independence referendum.
The Prime Minister and the Duke of Cambridge are in line to be the guests of honour at next month’s Armed Forces Day in Stirling.
But with Nationalists preparing to celebrate Scotland’s historic 1314 victory over the English at nearby Bannockburn at the same time, the dual event on Saturday, June 28, could become one of the biggest potential flashpoints in a highly-charged lead-up to September’s vote. Nationalists have already expressed their anger at the UK Government’s decision to hold its main Armed Forces Day celebrations a couple of miles from the Bannockburn 700th anniversary.
Senior SNP figures have long believed the Armed Forces Day celebrations were planned deliberately to overshadow the Bannockburn festivities. But now it has emerged that the Prime Minister and a very senior member of the Royal Family – understood to be Prince William because of his military connections – will also be present, there will be increasing concerns within the Nationalist camp that it will become a cheerleading event for the Union.
A Downing Street source said: ‘The Prime Minister made it clear that he would be coming to Scotland regularly over the summer and this is one of the events he wants to get to.’
Organisers had hoped that 45,000 people might go to the Bannockburn re-enactment.
But after it became clear Armed Forces Day would be a rival attraction, they had to scale back their expectations and shorten the event from three days to two. Instead of 45,000 visitors, they are now hoping for 20,000 - with only about 5,500 tickets being sold so far.
Bannockburn Live will feature artists, storytellers and musicians, including noted folk singers Dougie Maclean and Julie Fowlis.
There will be three re-enactments of the battle itself, but groups of radical Nationalists are also expected to attend, as they do every year, to celebrate the victory over the English.
Bannockburn Live is likely to be overshadowed by the British military celebrations just a couple of miles away.
Organisers expect up to 50,000 people to come to Armed Forces Day, a highlight of which will be a special display by the Red Arrows to mark the flight’s 50th season.
The event will begin with a parade from Stirling Castle down through the city, where it will be joined by 1,500 veterans. There will then be a drumhead service, followed by a gun salute.
Stirling Provost Mike Robbins said: ‘We’re incredibly proud to be hosting such an important and high-profile event and hope people come to Stirling and join us for the celebrations. There is real pride and enthusiasm building up for Stirling’s Armed Forces Day and we’re looking forward to one of the biggest and most colourful celebrations the city has ever seen.’