Freedom march for honoured troops
SAILORS and airmen are to be awarded the Freedom of South Ayrshire.
They’ll be the first in more than 30 years to be given the honour in a moving ceremony next Friday, July 10.
Personnel from HMS Gannet and RAF Prestwick will take part in the traditional event at Ayr’s County Buildings for the service they provide to their community and their country.
Council leader Hugh Hunter is thrilled to be involved in the event.
He said: “South Ayrshire has a long and proud association with HMS Gannet and RAF Prestwick I am delighted that this thoroughly deserved honour is going to them.”
The Freedom ceremony will take place at 11am and will be followed by a parade through Ayr High Street at 11.45.
Councillor Hunter appealed to the public to pay their own tributes to the service men and women.
He added: “I would like to see as many people as possible lining the streets of Ayr for the parade on Friday, to publicly recognise and applaud these brave men and women for the outstanding work they do.”
The parade will end at Ayr Town Hall and a Sea King helicopter and a Challenger tank will be on display throughout the afternoon.
The Royal Highland Fusiliers were given a fantastic reception when they paraded through Ayr town centre last year on their return from Afghanistan.
The Freedom ceremony was last performed in 1975.
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