Remembrance event for Merchant Navy Day on Tuesday 3 September

Wreaths will be laid at the Kirk Green War Memorial outside St Magnus Cathedral on Tuesday 3 September 2024 during a remembrance event to mark Merchant Navy Day.

The Red Ensign will be flown at the Royal British Legion in Kirkwall, the Kirkwall Town Hall and, as always, the flag will be aloft at the Scapa OIC Harbour Authority Offices as Orkney joins UK-wide events in recognition of the nation's merchant seafarers.

Merchant Navy Day is coordinated by the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association and is aimed at raising awareness of the UK's ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers, through public events and the hoisting of the UK Merchant Navy's official flag on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.

Wreaths will be laid at the War Memorial at 11am, by:
• Lord Lieutenant for Orkney, King Charles' representative for the county, Elaine Grieve
• Kieth Welbon from the Royal Naval Association
• Eddie Ross from the Royal British Legion Scotland
• OIC Convener Councillor Graham Bevan,
• The Council's Deputy Harbour Master Bradley Drummond
• Bill Spence who is former Lord Lieutenant and former honorary Norwegian consul for Orkney and has enjoyed a long career working in and representing the Merchant Navy.

OIC's Deputy Harbour Master for Mainland Orkney and Scapa Flow Bradley Drummond, who will say a few words at the event, said it was important to remember the sacrifices and hardships endured by Merchant Navy seafarers past and present in keeping vital shipping activities going through peace and war, bad weather and disaster at sea.

"In Orkney, we are extremely dependent on the sea and seafarers to enable us to go about our daily lives. Of course in the past merchant navy worked alongside armed forces as part of the Arctic Convoys to protect and deliver vital supplies around world during conflict in perilous conditions, with many campaigns leaving from our shores.

"Today, our merchant navy continues the proud tradition of serving fellow seafarers through the volunteer Coastguard and RNLI lifeboat service. Many make a living helping to keep our communities moving, working in energy and transport roles.

"Orkney Islands Council is itself a major employer of merchant seafarers, so we are proud to play a part in today's ceremony, commemorating those who have gone before us as well as recognising and celebrating the role of seafarers today."

Members of the public and all working on the sea in Orkney are warmly invited to attend.