SANQUHAR celebrated Armed Forces Day with a flag raising ceremony.

The Royal Burgh of Sanquhar and District Community Council recently watched in wonder as the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings were celebrated.

Local school pupils and representatives from the Fire and Rescue Service also attended the ceremony.

Members of the council said: “It is a great pleasure to again welcome to Sanquhar Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Fiona Armstrong, who has made a special effort to be with us this morning.

“We also welcome members of the British Legion (Scotland) and serving members of the British Armed Forces’, also the Secretary of State for Scotland, The Rt Hon David Mundell M.P. and Colin Smyth and Joan McAlpine, MSPs.

“We were also delighted to welcome Regional and Community Councillors, and past members of the Armed Forces, together with Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Archie Dryburgh.

“We welcomed Students from Sanquhar Academy, together with members of the public to pay tribute to our Armed Forces.

“In a period of relative peace in the world, British Forces serve in over 80 countries worldwide.

“They not only act as soldiers, but also provide humanitarian aid, give advice on security, and help to train and organise forces from other countries.

“All of these roles contain an element of danger as witnessed recently when a British soldier, helping locals to organise an anti-elephant poaching group, was killed by one of the very animals he came to save.

“Wherever our troops serve, they serve with distinction –from the Falkland Islands to the Baltic States and many places in between.

“They are respected and admired as the best in the world.

“We are, and should be, proud of our country’s soldiers, sailors and airmen, for wherever they serve they reflect great credit on our nation Our Flag Raising is a symbol of the respect and affection we hold for our Armed Forces, and on behalf of the Royal Burgh of Sanquhar.”