Inverclyde Marks Merchant Navy Day
The Red Ensign has been raised above Greenock’s Clyde Square as Inverclyde Council marks Merchant Navy Day.
The event – run by the maritime welfare charity Seafarers UK – is aimed at raising public awareness of Britain’s ongoing dependence on the men and women who work at sea.
Provost Martin Brennan was joined by the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire Mr Alan Dunnet and Captain Gerard Patterson, Royal Fleet Auxilary, who raised the flag.
Provost Brennan said: “As an island nation the Merchant Navy plays as vital role in trade for the UK, keeping the countries imports and exports moving. This is especially relevant to us here in Inverclyde, a key Scottish port.
“Locally there are a number of services that play an important part in supporting the ongoing activities on the River Clyde, including the Coast Guard, the ferry companies and the ship building industry.
“Further afield there are many thousand British seafarers working on the oceans of the world.
“With the simple act of raising the Red Ensign we recognise, remember and respect the sacrifices and courage of our Merchant Navy and show our willingness to support their future.”
The Red Ensign has been recognised worldwide since 1854 as the flag of the British Merchant Navy and is flown on ‘UK-flagged’ vessels of all sizes.
3 September was adopted as Merchant Navy day where the flag is flown ashore at locations cross the UK.
The ceremony in Clyde Square included representatives from Inverclyde Council, Peel Ports and Ferguson Marine, Royal Navy Reserves and HM Coastguard and Sir Gabriel Wood’s Mariners’ Home.
While Merchant Navy Day is on Sunday 3 September 2017 allowances have been made for organisations to hold ceremonies on a date as close to 3 September as is practicable.