Forres pays tribute to armed forces
The normally tranquil streets of a Moray town were heaving with revellers last night as thousands gathered to mark the 70th anniversary of RAF Kinloss and also herald Armed Forces Day.
Two Nimrod aircraft, nine Red Arrows and hundreds of servicemen and women took part in the celebrations in the centre of Forres.
Speaking afterwards, Moray Council’s convener George McIntyre said he was astonished by the turnout at what had been a fantastic event for the whole area.
The roar of a Nimrod passing overhead paved the way for the Freedom of Forres parade where pipes and drums led proud personnel through the applauding crowd. A fast-flowing stream of spectators, young and old, then headed for the town’s Grant Park as the Red Arrows took to the skies.
Whooshing overhead at 400mph the nine distinctive jets trailed coloured smoke and swirled within 100ft of each other, making hazy arcs and speared hearts in the sky. The dramatic flips and low-level flypasts were met with sharp intakes of breath from the audience in awe at the skills of the pilots.
Earlier in the day veterans and members of the Women’s Land Army were awarded medals by Moray Council.
Convener Mr McIntyre paid tribute to the hard work of all the service personnel involved. He said: “I would never have expected numbers like this. I assume it’s a combination of the Red Arrows and good weather.”
The sound of brass band music brought the evening to a close at a cocktail party held in a marquee in the park.
Meanwhile, a crowd of 15,000 is expected to line the streets of Aberdeen this weekend to celebrate British Armed Forces and Veterans Day.
Veterans, cadets and serving forces personnel will parade down Union Street on Saturday to launch the city’s celebrations.
As the parade passes the Town House a salute will be taken by Lord Provost Peter Stephen and representatives of the armed forces during a flyover by a RAF Nimrod and MR2 Tornado.
Saturday’s celebrations will come to an end with a ceilidh on Queens Links at the Beach Boulevard from 7.30pm to 11pm.
On Sunday, from noon to 6pm, an Airborne Forces Day will be held at the beach.
The event will include a free-fall display by the Red Devils.
A wartime sing-along is expected to end the weekend on a high. The event will be held at the Beach Ballroom on Sunday from 7.30pm to 11pm.
Mr Stephen said: “Whether it’s watching the military parade on Saturday or joining in the wartime sing-along on Sunday, this weekend’s celebrations are a fantastic way for the people of Aberdeen to show their support for the armed forces.”
Tickets for the ceilidh have already sold out but places are still available for the sing-along. They cost £6 and are available from The Point at St Nicholas House, Broad Street; Mastrick Access Point on Spey Road and Kincorth Access Point on Provost Watt Drive.
For more details of the events, call Danny Parrot on 01224 523842 or e-mail dparrot@aberdeencity.gov.uk.
