Commonwealth Day 2018, Ayr – Monday 12th March 2018

 Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, with civic dignitaries, local authorities, schools, community groups and charities throughout the British Isles taking part in local events.

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant, John Dalrymple-Hamilton represented the Lord-Lieutenant at a special ceremony hosted by South Ayrshire Council where the Commonwealth Flag was raised at the town's St Germain-en-Laye Gardens in Ayr, marking Commonwealth Day 2018. The ceremony was also attended by politicians from across the political spectrum, the Queens Own Yeomanry, RAFA, Air cadets, Royal British Legion, the Indian Consulate, the Honorary Consulate General of Ghana, and representatives from the emergency services
Each year is themed and 2018 builds on last year's 'A Peace- Building Commonwealth', to look at 'Towards a Common Future' which looks at how the Commonwealth can address global challenges and work to create a better future for all citizens through sub-themes of sustainability, safety, prosperity and fairness.
The Commonwealth Charter asserts that everyone is equal and deserves to be treated fairly, whether they are rich or poor, without regard to their race, age, gender, belief or other identity.
2018 also marked the final commemoration of the centenary of World War One through a Single Commemorative Act. Four candles were extinguished and relit to symbolise the end of darkness after the conflict ended.