A concert was held in West Lothian to commemorate UK Armed Forces Day on Saturday June 25.
The event, organised by the West Lothian Armed Forces Day Committee, has taken the form of a family festival for the past nine years but decided on a grander return after two years of Covid-19 restrictions.
Last year saw a live streaming event to bring awareness to Armed Forces Day, and this year saw a concert at the Howden Park Centre in Livingston - alongside the presentation of the annual awards to highlight exceptional individuals from within the Armed Forces.
The concert was attended by cadets, reservists, veterans, and various other members of the Armed Forces including Deputy Lord Lieutenant, the Rev John Pover, Provost of West Lothian, Councillor Cathy Muldoon, and Lt Col Huw Gilbert, of the 105 Regiment Royal Artillery.
The concert was one of many events being held across the country to support the Armed Forces.
The event was closed by a performance from 22-year-old Ukrainian concert Cellist, Kateryna Tunina - who recently arrived with a host family in Livingston.
Kateryna studied Cello at the conservatoire in Ukraine before seeking asylum in Scotland and since arriving in West Lothian has performed on stage several times, including a concert held in West Lothian to support Ukrainian orphans from Dnipro arriving in Edinburgh.
Also performing at the concert was former The Voice contestant - Amy Hawthorn - and several established local singer songwriters - Megan Black, Ciara Watt, Nikki McDonald, and Angela Musk.
Two rising young talents gave performances at the event as well - 15-year-old Jessica Rose Smith and 13-year-old Freya Nichol.
Founder of the West Lothian Armed Forces Day Committee, Karen Elliot BEM said:“It was wonderful that people from across the communities of West Lothian were able to join together to acknowledge the work and commitment of our Armed Forces.
“Our award recipients this year included Gunner Robbie Howie of 278 (Lowland) Battery, 105 Regiment Royal Artillery and Private Darren Tomlinson of 6 SCOTS.
“Our President’s Award was presented to former Kings Own Scottish Borderer, George Ross who continues to serve as an Army Reservist as well as supporting the wider Armed Forces and Veterans Community through breakfast clubs, walking groups and fundraising activities.
“I honestly don’t know how he finds the time to do all that he is involved in.
“Awards were also presented to our cadet forces and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers and the ‘hero’ of the evening was 95 year old WWII Veteran, William Mason who served with the famous Argyll and Southern Highlanders.”
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