THE Wee County paid its respects to brave members of the Merchant Navy this week with a special event in Alloa.

The Provost Donald Balsillie was joined by Lord Lieutenant Johnny Stewart, two local cadets and several councillors for the annual Fly the Red Ensign event outside Clackmannanshire Council headquarters, Kilncraigs.

Various members of the public watched as the flag was raised outside Kilncraigs as a sign of respect to members of the Merchant Navy who lost their lives during World War II.

Johnny spoke to the Advertiser after the flag raising and said it was a privilege to be a part of such an important ceremony in Clacks.

He said: “I joined the Provost and the two cadets – one from Dollar and the other from Stirling – and they pulled up the red ensign.

“The Provost then made a really good speech and then I followed him and gave a speech of my own.

“We were lucky to have been able to do all of this in the beautiful, sunny weather.

“It’s really nice to be able to do this in Clackmannanshire. I feel very strongly about the Red Ensign because I think it’s really important to remember those parts of history.”

Merchant Navy Day is celebrated on September 3 each year and aims to pay tribute to hard-working sailors who are responsible for 95 per cent of the UK’s trade.

In Clackmannanshire in the 18th and 19th centuries, the trade industry was massive, with many members of the Merchant Navy helping to export stock from the Wee County.

In the modern era, Merchant Navy Day is used to commemorate those who lost their lives during the Second World War while still maintaining trade routes continued.

Johnny added: “Far nearer to today is the Second World War where thousands of men died in the Atlantic in the convoys coming from America so we owe so much to them.

“We owe so much to the people who are sort of forgotten about. Nobody sort of mentions them but they play a key role in our lives.”

The flag was raised outside Kilncraigs in Alloa and can be viewed there.