Merchant Navy Day being marked in Orkney

A number of events are taking place here in Orkney today to mark Merchant Navy Day, with a number of vessels open to the public.

Orkney Islands Council are flying the Red Ensign at the council offices at School Place in Kirkwall in order to raise awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers.

Prior to that, this morning, the ensign was displayed at Kirkwall Harbour by Councillor Steven Heddle, the convener of Orkney Islands Council, along with a range of representatives from the marine industry in Orkney.

The council 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.

Convener Heddle said: “The sea is a major part of daily life for Orkney as it defines our communities, provides a livelihood for many of us, and we depend on it for the majority of our goods that come to the islands. The council is honoured to be a part of a nationwide call to recognise the many achievements that Britain’s navy has accomplished.”

Various vessels in Kirkwall and Stromness Harbours are also be to be open to the public to mark the day.

These include the Serco NorthLink ferry Hamnavoe in Stromness, which is open to the public between 11am – 12.30pm. Tours are on offer as well as teas and coffee.

The tug Harald is open for visitors at Hatston Pier between 1pm-3pm, the pilot boat John Rae is also open to the public between 1pm-3pm at Kirkwall Pier, as is the ferry Varagen at the linkspan on Kirkwall Pier at the same time.

At 2pm Captain John Taylor is to make a presentation on the Merchant Navy at Kirkwall Grammar School, which he is also scheduled to do at Stromness Academy on September 9.

Various UK ports are also supporting the campaign by encouraging visiting ships to sound their horns at 10am today.

For more information visit the Merchant Navy Fund website.