Stirling pays tribute to Armed Forces

Image caption, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Saunders also attended the event

Thousands of people have paid tribute to Scottish servicemen and women as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations in Stirling.

The city played host to a parade through the town, featuring serving personnel and veterans.

Among those taking part was 105-year-old war veteran Lieutenant Colonel Frank Saunders.

The event also featured parachute and tank displays and military bands at the city's King's Park.

The day ended with a rendition of military musical march The Beating of Retreat. It was one of a series of similar displays being held across the UK.

The celebrations will culminate with Armed Forces Day on June 26, with events planned for Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Perth, Dundee, Lerwick, Greenock, East Kilbride, Ayr, Keith, Dumfries, Castle Douglas, Kelso, Paisley, Elgin and Kirkwall will also hold events to mark the occasion.

'Incredible support'

Brigadier David Allfrey, Commander of 51 (Scottish) Brigade which has its headquarters at Forthside, said: "Stirling Council and the local community have really fallen in behind the armed forces and are working tremendously hard to provide a celebration and action-packed day.

"It means a great deal to us. It was marvellous to see members of the public, who don't normally make contact with the military, taking the opportunity to come along and get to know us a bit better.

"Many of the military units based in Scotland are regularly deployed on operations in Afghanistan, making personal sacrifices to defend the UK from terrorism and contribute to international peace and security.

"They are very grateful for the incredible support that the people in Scotland show to them and their families, it gives them strength and helps them focus in the job in hand."

Provost Fergus Wood added: "Stirling is proud to be supporting Armed Forces Day. These men and women who serve do so with unstinting loyalty, astounding bravery and pure professionalism.

"I never tire of meeting these amazing people, young and old, who thoroughly deserve to have a special day in their honour - we can all learn a lot from their courage and determination."