Members of the armed forces gathered at East Ayrshire Council’s headquarters to pay tribute to the contribution made by all those who serve or have served in the service of their country.

A specially designed flag was raised as part of a universal show of support to mark Armed Forces Day, which was officially celebrated on Saturday.

Armed Forces Day flags were also flown where British servicemen and women are serving overseas.

The day has been marked by East Ayrshire Council for a number of years now.

Armed Forces Day is a chance for the wider public to show its support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community – from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

East Ayrshire aims to mark to occasion every year, but it has had to be put on the backburner over the last few years because of the pandemic.

This year, local councillors and politicians once again gathered to show their respect and support for those in the armed forces, before being piped on their way as they marched out from the council building.

Provost Jim Todd raised the Armed Forces Day flag at the local authority’s headquarters to pay tribute to the contribution made by all those who serve or have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.

Provost Jim Todd said: “I was honoured to welcome serving personnel, veterans and cadet forces to council headquarters to mark Armed Forces Day and to have the opportunity to show our support and recognition.

“Each and every one of us greatly appreciates the outstanding contribution made to our society by the Armed Forces.

“The challenges they face and the roles they play are made a little bit easier when they know that their communities back home are proud of them and wish them well.”

The Armed Forces Day national event attracted more than 100,000 people to the North Yorkshire seaside resort of Scarborough on Saturday and included a demonstration by the RAF Falcons parachute display team, a flypast by Royal Navy helicopters and the world-famous Red Arrows.

The organisers of Armed Forces Day announced on Sunday that Falmouth in Cornwall will play host to the 2023 national event.