76th anniversary of the Battle of Britain marked by Hillhead ceremony

The Royal Air Force flag was flying above Town Hall this morning as part of a ceremony marking the 76^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Members of the Royal Airforce Forces Association were joined by young cadets and representatives of the SIC during the moving and contemplative ceremony at the Lerwick War Memorial.

Tourists of all nationalities who were visiting the Town Hall off of the cruise ship Norwegian Star also stopped to pay their respects and participate in the two minutes of silence.

With the Lerwick Brass band in attendance verses from the hymn O God, our Help in Ages Past and God Save the Queen were sung and the famous poignant words of Robert Laurence Binyon (“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old”) recited.

A two minutes silence was observed and wreaths were laid at the war memorial.

Speaking before the ceremony David Nicolson, who served in the RAF Regiment for 15 years, said that it was good to pay respects and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we today could live free from tyranny.

Mr Nicolson said that remembering the Battle of Britain was “quite important” for everyone connected to the RAF and added that he was pleased to see so many people at the Hillhead ready to pay their respects.

He said: “It’s especially good to see the young cadets taking part.”

“And the dry weather makes a big difference.” he added.

The ceremony was followed by a service at St Columba’s Church.