Comhairle is flying the flag in support of the Merchant Navy
Today (Thursday, September 3) is Merchant Navy Day, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is flying the Red Ensign at its headquarters on Sandwick Road to raise awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers.
The Comhairle is supporting a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the UK Merchant Navy’s official flag to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.
The charity’s president, HRH The Earl of Wessex, has endorsed the campaign, saying: “I very much hope you will support this campaign to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy.”
As an ‘island nation’ the UK relies on Merchant Navy seafarers for 95 per cent of our imports, including half the food we eat.
The UK has the largest ports industry in Europe.