THE Wee County celebrated an essential part of its history as it marked Merchant Navy Day in Clackmannanshire.

The annual ceremony outside Kilncraigs went ahead on Tuesday, September 3, led by the Provost Donald Balsillie.

Also in attendance this year was deputy lord lieutenant John Spruce and cadet Grace McCaig.

Mr Balsillie opened the proceedings with a speech, thanking everyone for attending and touched on Alloa’s history as a port town.

He said: “I am honoured to represent Clackmannanshire Council to commemorate Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day.

“We are pleased to hold this ceremony as it gives Clackmannanshire the opportunity to show its support to the Merchant Navy.

“We fly the Red Ensign at the council’s HQ to mark and honour the sacrifices and ongoing dedication of our hard working merchant seafarers.

“On Merchant Navy Day, we remember and honour the brave men and women who kept our nation afloat during both World Wars and who continue to this day to provide vital support to our armed forces wherever they may be around the globe.”

Various members of the public watched on as the flag was raised outside Kilncraigs as a mark of respect to members of the Merchant Navy who lose their lives during World War II.

Merchant Navy Day is celebrated on September 3 each year and aims to pay tribute to hard-working sailors who are responsible for 95 per cent of the UK’s trade.

In the Wee County, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, the trade industry was massive, with many members of the Merchant Nacy helping to export stock from Clackmannanshire.

Mr Balsillie added: “We also acknowledge, recognise and celebrate our ongoing dependence on our often invisible merchant seafarers who are responsible for 95 per cent of the UK’s imports, including half of the food that we eat.

“On behalf of our depute lord lieutenant John Spruce, we would like to thank everyone for attending today’s ceremony.

“I would not like to invite the lord lieutenant’s cadet Grace McCaig to raise the official Merchant Navy Day flag – the red ensign.”

The flag was raised outside council headquarters at Kilncraigs on Tuesday, carrying on an annual tradition of the county’s tributes to their navy history.