TRIBUTES were paid to service personnel to mark Armed Forces Day 2021 in Inverclyde.

The annual event was marked on Saturday as people showed their support to members of the forces, with the AFD flag flown at Inverclyde Council buildings over the weekend.

Depute Provost David Wilson raised the ensign at the Garden of Remembrance in Clyde Square, which is being used in place of the Municipal Buildings flagpole due to ongoing maintenance work.

Depute Provost Wilson, who is also patron of Port Glasgow Army Cadets, said: “Armed Forces Day allows us to pause and pay tribute to our brave servicemen and women for the sacrifices they have made to protect our nations and keep us all safe.

“It’s a moment to recognise and be thankful for our serving military personnel, as well as our veterans, cadets and all their families, who are all very much part of the wider family and play important roles in their own right."

A small ceremony would usually take place to mark Armed Forces Day but because of Covid-19 restrictions, Inverclyde Council instead collaborated with neighbouring local authorities in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire on a commemorative online video.

It features tributes from Provost of Inverclyde, Martin Brennan and Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, Abigail Cameron, who is with the Air Cadets, from the top of Lyle Hill.

There is also a message from Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy.

Provost Brennan, who this year paid special tribute to the Royal Navy, said: “Inverclyde is very much a maritime community so the Royal Navy is especially relevant to us.

“Our river – the Clyde - and the seas beyond have shaped the lives and work of people here for generations.

"In peace, and in war, Inverclyde has played its part in the story of the Royal Navy."

*To watch the video visit www.youtube.com/inverclydecouncil