Red Ensign flag raised by Moray Council

Moray Council has raised the Red Ensign over its headquarters for Merchant Navy Day today.

Fly the Red Ensign is an annual campaign run by The Seafarers’ Charity to honour the men and women who kept the UK afloat during both World Wars.

It also celebrates modern-day merchant seafarers, who are responsible for more than 90% of the UK’s imports.

Merchant Navy Day is held annually on September 3 to commemorate the 128 passengers and crew of the British merchant vessel SS Athenia which was torpedoed just a few hours after war was declared on Germany in 1939.

Shona Morrison, Convener of Moray Council, said: "Moray has a close affinity with seafaring professions so it’s right that we show our support and gratitude on Merchant Navy Day.

"We only need to consider the disruption the Suez Canal incident earlier this year caused to know how much we rely on our modern seafarers.

"Moray Council is proud to support them and commemorate those who were part of the Merchant Navy during times of conflict."

The flag has been raised above the council's HQ on Elgin High Street.

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