East Ayrshire Council recently supported a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity for the UK Merchant Navy’s official flag to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.

Deputy Lieutenant David Lacy represented the Lord Lieutenant at the raising of the Red Ensign ceremony at the Council HQ in London Road Kilmarnock during which Depute Provost John McGhee said: “Throughout times of peace and war, our Merchant Navy seafarers have played a key role in keeping our nation supplied and connected. And today, modern-day merchant seafarers continue to handle most of the the UK's imports, working away quietly and tirelessly to deliver the goods that sustain our daily lives and our economy”.