Today is Merchant Navy Day, an official day of remembrance established in 2000.
The day is a way to commemorate more than 44,000 civilian seafarers who lost their lives keeping the UK and allied nations supplied during wars and conflicts.
In 2015 the Raise the Red Ensign campaign was started as a way to raise awareness among the public of seafarers and the Merchant Navy and how we impact lives on a daily basis, transporting over 95% of the UK’s goods.
During the Covid pandemic seafarers kept working ensuring food, medical equipment, vaccines and fuel were delivered. Others were stuck at home, but seafarers remained at work. Some served for months over their contacts, unable to go home, unable to get off the ship for even a walk and unable to access medical treatment.
This year the Edinburgh & Forth Branch of the Merchant Navy Association held a service at the Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial in Leith. Retired and serving seafarers attended the service as well as the Rt Hon Lord Provost and representatives from marine organisations based in the capital.
This is the first time the service has been held in Edinburgh and there will be more in years to come.
Merchant Navy Day at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh.
3/9/2024 Picture Alan Simpson Flag bearer – Chief Officer RFA (Rtd)
David Gatenby at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh. Picture Alan Simpson 3/9/2024Merchant Navy Day at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh.
Rev Dr Iain May with The Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the city of Edinburgh, Cllr Robert Aldridge
3/9/2024 Picture Alan Simpson The Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the city of Edinburgh, Cllr Robert Aldridge at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh. Picture Alan Simpson 3/9/2024Merchant Navy Day at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh.
Captain Mike Ashworth representing the Royal Fleet Auxilary. Captain David Fleming-Miller ex Palm Line
3/9/2024 Picture Alan Simpson A letter from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh read by Alan Dickson Member of Edinburgh and Forth Branch of the Merchant Navy Association at Merchant Navy Day at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh.
3/9/2024 Picture Alan Simpson Captain Mike Ashworth representing the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the city of Edinburgh, Cllr Robert Aldridge at Merchant Navy Day commemorated at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh.
3/9/2024 Picture Alan Simpson Merchant Navy Day at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh.
3/9/2024 Picture Alan Simpson Stewart Lee master of Trinity House of Leith at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh. Picture Alan Simpson 3/9/2024Captain David Fleming-Miller ex Palm Line at Merchant Navy Day at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh.
3/9/2024 Picture Alan Simpson Merchant Navy Day at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh.
3/9/2024 Picture Alan Simpson At Merchant Navy Day at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh.
3/9/2024 Picture Alan Simpson Ned Kelly speaking at Merchant Navy Day commemorated at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh.
3/9/2024 Picture Alan Simpson The Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Cllr Robert Aldridge, laying a wreath on Merchant Navy Day commemorated at the Merchant Navy Memorial Leith Edinburgh. Picture Alan Simpson 3/9/2024
