Flag-raising marks start of Armed Forces Day events

Representatives of the three armed forces helped raise the flag in Stirling

Armed Forces Day celebrations have got under way with flag-raising ceremonies across the country.

A week of celebrations will be topped off by a national event led from Stirling on Saturday.

Armed Forces Day flags have been raised in hundreds of locations around the UK, many of which are holding local events to show their support.

Thousands of veterans and serving members of the armed forces will march through Stirling to launch the event.

The flag-raising at Stirling Castle was attended by representatives from the Army, Navy and Air Force, and Veterans Scotland.

The free event in Stirling on Saturday features a display by the Red Arrows, Royal Marines fast-roping from Sea King helicopters, pipe bands, a parachute display by the Army's Red Devils, an artillery gun salute and troops staging a ground assault, complete with casualty evacuations.