A FLAG-RAISING ceremony has taken place in the centre of Haddington to mark the start of Armed Forces Week.

Provost John McMillan was joined by the county’s Lord Lieutenant Roderick Urquhart for the ceremony on Monday.

They were joined by veterans and their families, representatives of veterans’ organisations and East Lothian councillors.

Armed Forces Week offers a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.

Mr McMillan took on the role of the county’s veterans and reserves champion following the retirement of Councillor Jim Goodfellow.

He said: “East Lothian is very fortunate to have active Veterans groups, with monthly breakfast meetings organised by volunteers, offering Veterans the opportunity to meet and socialise with people who share their experiences.

“It is always a great pleasure to spend time talking with veterans and their families so I attend monthly to learn from them and to offer any support that I can.”

Mr McMillan, who represents the Haddington and Lammermuir ward on the local authority, always “strives” to listen to veterans’ stories.

He added: “My experiences have allowed me to see the constructive support veterans and veterans organisations give each other.

“Those who have served in our forces continue to serve in our communities, in sports clubs and foodbanks.

“They lend their skills to society in so many ways through their employment in the private and public sector and through their volunteering.

“In the case of our Reservists, they balance employment alongside their commitment to the Armed Forces with both forums benefiting from the transfer of skills and experiences.”

Mr Urquhart, the King’s representative for East Lothian, attended the Armed Forces Week celebrations and met with veterans and their families as well as representatives of veterans’ organisations and council staff with service experience.

He said: “As Lord-Lieutenant and His Majesty the King’s representative for East Lothian, I am delighted to attend with so many people when the official flag is raised to mark Armed Forces Day celebrations.

“Across the UK, flags will be raised today to show support for our Armed Forces.

“Armed Forces Week is the annual opportunity for us all to come together in recognition and celebration of the wonderful service provided by our regular and reservist soldiers, sailors, air force and marines past and present, and the families that have supported them in turn.”