Celebrating Merchant Navy Day in Leith

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.