Remembrance event for Merchant Navy Day

Wreaths were laid at the Kirk Green War Memorial outside St Magnus Cathedral on Friday 3 September, as part of a remembrance event to mark Merchant Navy Day.

The Red Ensign was flown at the Royal British Legion in Kirkwall, and, as always, the flag was aloft at the Scapa OIC Harbour Authority Offices as Orkney joined 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 were laid at the War Memorial at 1pm, by Lord Lieutenant Elaine Grieve, OIC Convener Councillor Harvey Johnston, the Council’s Head of Marine Services, Transportation and Harbour Master Jim Buck, Bill Spence, President of the Durham Association, which represents former officers, and now also seamen, of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and the Federal Steam Navigation Company, Eddy Ross, Chairman of the Kirkwall branch of the Royal British Legion and Catriona Matheson from the Royal Naval Association.

Mr Buck 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 conflict and, in peace and war, through bad weather and disaster at sea.

“As an ‘island nation’ the UK relies on Merchant Navy seafarers for most of our imports. Of course in Orkney, we are extremely dependent on the sea and seafarers to enable us to go about our daily lives.

"Orkney Islands Council is a major employer of merchant seafarers, so it’s of particular importance that we play our part in commemorating those who have gone before us as well as recognising the role of seafarers today."