Perth has hosted the biggest Scottish Armed Forces Day (AFD) parade of 2010 as part of the spectacular Perth Day celebrations on Friday, 2 July 2010. 

More than a thousand marchers from the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, Veterans Associations and youth organisations paraded through Perth city centre.

They were joined by four pipe bands and two military bands, as well as a variety of military vehicles from Word War Two.

The parade passed the saluting dais in Tay Street, where His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, took the salute along with Provost John Hulbert, and the Lord Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross Brigadier Mel Jameson.

Full civic dress

Delegations from Aschaffenburg in Germany, Pskov in Russia, Cognac in France, Haiku in China, Bydgoszcz in Poland and Perth, Ontario, Canada, all flew in for the AFD / Perth Day celebrations. All were dressed in their full civic dress.

The parade began at 11.35 am from Rose Terrace, and proceeded along Atholl Street, into Kinnoull Street, down High Street, into St John’s Place, down South Street, then along Tay Street to the North Inch where representatives of the Armed Forces met the VIPs.

The event was organised by 51st Highland, 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS) the Perth-based battalion which was granted Freedom of the City earlier this year.

Strong links

Commanding Officer of 7 SCOTS, Lieutenant Colonel Ed Chelsea said: “It is tremendous that with our sister battalion, The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) and the pulling power of Perth’s reputation that we have been able to assemble so large a serving and retired naval, military, and air force contingent.

“It reflects the strong links which we in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces have with the population and city of Perth. We are also grateful to the youth organisations for their enthusiasm to be involved in the march, which includes the Pipes and Drums of Strathallan School, Morrison’s Academy, and Glenalmond College.”

HRH Prince Edward also presented six Elizabeth Crosses to family members wo died while on Active Service.

Armed Forces Day Scotland 2011

Following the announcement that the main Armed Forces Day event will take place in Scotland in 2011, First Minister Alex Salmond said: "It is excellent that Armed Forces Day will take place in Edinburgh in 2011.

"It will be a privilege to host this important tribute in Scotland next year.

“We not only commemorate those who have fallen but also celebrate the commitment of our armed forces, past and present, to this nation.

“Armed Forces Day is a fitting way to ensure that the courage, valour and sacrifice of Scotland's serving armed services and veteran community is properly and appropriately recognised and commemorated.”

Unite in celebration

Martin Gibson, chairman of Veterans Scotland said: “We are delighted that the nation’s celebration of our Armed Forces and veterans is coming to Scotland in 2011.

“For generations the Scottish soldier, sailor and airman have formed the backbone of our Armed Forces and served with distinction around the world. I am sure the whole of Scotland will unite in celebrating the Armed Forces community.”

Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity for the nation to show its support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families and from veterans to cadets.