Celebrating Merchant Navy Day in Ayrshire

02 September 2024

On Monday 2nd September, East Ayrshire Council raised the Merchant Navy Flag at their London Road Headquarters. Angie, our branch Fundraiser, represented SSAFA Ayrshire and is pictured here with Provost Jim Todd. Thank you to East Ayrshire Council for inviting us and other representatives of the Armed Forces community to be at this event to mark Merchant Navy Day and raise awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers.

Provost Jim Todd said: “We were pleased to support Merchant Navy Day as it provides an opportunity to celebrate and honour all those who serve or have served as merchant seafarers."

“Their bravery kept supply lines open during two World Wars and more recently, they played a crucial role in maintaining the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, modern-day merchant seafarers are indispensable as they handle the majority of the UK's imports, therefore it’s important that we recognise their work both now and in the future."

"We also recognised the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, a Merchant Navy organisation of civilian-crewed ships which provide vital logistic and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines."

https://newsroom.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/news/council-celebrates-merchant-navy-day-5

If you would like to know more about SSAFA, the SSAFA Ayrshire Branch, what we do and how we can help - please email the branch at ayrshire.branch@ssafa.org.uk