PAST and present personnel are being honoured by West Dunbartonshire Council after a flag was raised on Merchant Navy Day.

A Red Ensign flag was raised by Provost William Hendrie at a ceremony at the Solidarity Plaza, in Clydebank, on Tuesday.

The flag will be flown for a week and highlights the council’s appreciation of all serving personnel in West Dunbartonshire and across the UK.

The council is only one of hundreds of authorities who raised the flag to recognise the dedication of the UK’s serving seafarers and remember the sacrifice of the brave men and women who kept supply lines open during the First and Second World Wars.

Provost Hendrie was joined by Lord-Lieutenant for Dunbartonshire, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE who delivered a short message of support from HRH The Earl of Wessex.

The provost said: “By flying this flag we are showing our support and appreciation to the men and women who work tirelessly on our behalf to keep the country moving.

“We are pleased to once again mark this important day and to publicly honour the great work the men and women of the Merchant Navy do on our behalf.

“Today we not only remember the brave personnel of the past, but also pay tribute to those currently serving.

“It is important for them and their families to know that we truly appreciate the time they spend at sea away from their loved ones.”

Owen Sayers, Deputy Lieutenant, Commander George Troup BEM, members of the Sea Cadets, Councillors, council chief executive Joyce White and officers from the council also attended the event.