West Dunbartonshire Council will honour its military community next week as part of a worldwide Armed Forces Day celebration.

The event, on Saturday, June 22 will kick off with a parade leaving from Dumbarton Health Centre on Station Road, with veterans’ groups, cadets and Scouts all taking part.

The parade, which is being led the Balaklava Pipes and Drums, will proceed along the High Street before coming to a stop at the Artizan Shopping Centre.

Provost William Hendrie and Commander James Leatherby RN, Deputy Lieutenant for Dunbartonshire, will then perform a salute.

Following the parade, members of the public are invited to attend a short commemorative service led by Rev Ian Johnson of Dumbarton Riverside Church, West Kirk and St Andrew’s Church in the Council’s Church Street offices.

At the beginning of the service, James Murie from Dumbarton will present West Dunbartonshire Council with a map of Dunbartonshire framed and dated 1823.

Provost Hendrie said: “The bravery and dedication of the armed forces personnel in our area, both veterans and those currently serving, deserves to be recognised and I am delighted the council is participating in Armed Forces Day.

“I really hope the people of West Dunbartonshire turn out to show their support for the very important work our armed forces do on a daily basis.”

The timings for the day as are follows:

1pm – 1.15pm: Parade assembles at the Health Centre, Station Road.

1.30pm: Parade steps off and proceeds via Station Road/High Street.

1.40pm: Salute taken at the High Street entrance to the Artizan Shopping Centre.

2pm: Service commences at 16 Church Street.

After the service, at approximately 2.45pm, light refreshments will be served.

Parking for Church Street is available at the rear of the building on Castle Street. Public car parking is also available on St Mary’s Way and Quay Street.