Armed Forces Day parades held across Scotland

Thousands of military personnel, veterans and cadets have been taking part in a series of events across Scotland to mark Armed Forces day.

The country's four largest cities all hosted parades and there was an RAF Typhoon flypast in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee.

Scotland's main government building flew the Armed Forces Day flag in support of the national day of events.

This is the fourth time the annual event has been held.

The day is marked to raise awareness of the contribution made by the Army, Navy and RAF, and to allow the public to demonstrate their appreciation.

In Dundee, the 1st Battalion Scots Guards marched through the streets in their scarlet tunics and bearskins, with rifles and fixed bayonets.

The parade included Royal Navy personnel from the ship's company of HMS Duncan and a marching contingent from RAF Leuchars.

The forces' flag was flown outside St Andrew's House in Edinburgh, honouring the commitment and contribution of both serving members of the armed forces and veterans.

Celebrations in the capital took place in Princes Street Gardens and included the RAF Typhoon flypast, music from the Scots Mil Afghan rock band and an inflatable assault course.

In Glasgow, the Lowland Band of the Regiment of Scotland and the Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band provided music as the parade took place.

The Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty, took a salute at the march past and the fly past from No 6 Squadron RAF joined in the celebrations.

<bold>'Salute and celebrate'</bold>

About 400 people are taking part in a charity yomp in Perthshire to raise money for ABF The Soldiers Charity and the Prince's Scottish Youth Trust.

Some yompers will trek 52 miles across Blairgowrie, Kirkmichael, Spittal of Glenshee and Kirkton of Glenisla. Among those taking part is a team of five Gurkhas.

The 1st Battalion Scots Guards marched through the streets of Dundee

In Aberdeen, a parade of 1,000 serving, veteran and cadet force personnel marched through the streets. The parade included massed pipes and drums and vintage military vehicles.

Similar events have been taking place across the UK, with this year's national event being held in Plymouth.

Kevin Gray, spokesman for the Royal British Legion Scotland, said: "Recent years have put extraordinary pressure on our servicemen and women, it's only right that we can, once a year, acknowledge their extraordinary achievements.

"It's a day of togetherness with all the ex-service charities participating while serving members of the armed forces and veterans march together. We see it as a fun day too, a celebration not solemn commemoration. Let's salute and celebrate."

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity to show how much we value the contribution made by serving soldiers, veterans and military families, as well as honouring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."