Armed Forces Day goes off with a bang

Shetland’s Armed Forces Day, to celebrate and honour the contri­bution service personnel have made, took place in Lerwick on Saturday.

Around 100 members of the armed forces, including TA soldiers from 105 Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers) along with veterans and cadets, formed up outside the TA centre at Fort Charlotte.

Led by Lerwick’s pipe and brass bands, they marched down to the pierhead near where Colonel Angus Taverner, Deputy Commander of 51 (Scottish) Brigade, and SIC convener Sandy Cluness took the salute.

The soldiers returned to the TA centre where they raised the official Armed Forces Day flag and for the first time in Shetland’s history. The 105mm light gun was then fired from Fort Charlotte’s ramparts by soldiers from 105 Regiment RA (V). The regiment normally has the honour of firing Royal Salutes at castles in Edinburgh, Stirling and Belfast.

Lieutenant Colonel Iain Ross, commanding officer of 105 Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers) said: “As the United Kingdom’s most northerly Territorial Army Detachment in the British Army, the support shown for the Armed Forces by the residents, communities and the local council of Shetland has been overwhelming, confirming that it is fine and honourable to be a serviceman.

“Ever since the return of the Royal Artillery to Shetland in 2006 following an absence of 40 years the support and welcome from the local community from which the entire strength of G Troop of the Regiment is drawn has been crucial to the successful addition of the Lerwick (Shetland’s Own) detachment into 105 Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers).”

He continued: “Shetland Armed Forces Day provided us at 105 Regiment a distinct opportunity to get to know the residents.

“I hope and trust the event will get bigger each year.”