Today Aberdeenshire Council marked Armed Forces Day with a parade and flag-raising ceremony at our Woodhill House headquarters.

Councillors attended along with veterans to hear speeches by Provost Bill Howatson, and lord lieutenants representing the Queen, from Aberdeenshire, Kincardineshire, and Banffshire. However it was so warm that at least three people fainted during the ceremony.

There will be a parade on 30 June in Aberdeen when serving military men and women, veteran associations, cadet and youth organisations accompanied by local pipe bands march down Union Street. The parade leaves Albyn Place at 11am marching the length of Union Street before finishing at the Castlegate.

This year’s events are especially poignant, as they coincide with the ending of World War One 100 years ago.