Plans are firmly underway for Scotland's celebrations to mark the first ever Armed Forces Day which will take place on 27 June 2009.

In a launch in Edinburgh on Wednesday 10 June 2009, TV celebrity Lorraine Kelly made a special appearance to reveal the full programme of events to take place North of the Border to ensure that the public have the opportunity to thank members of the military for their service and the contribution they have made for the UK.

Large celebrations are being planned for Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee, with each event bringing together thousands of Army, Navy and RAF personnel, veterans, and reservists, with support from cadets and Scottish military bands.

There will also be RAF flypasts and displays from the Army and the Royal Navy, with other parades and events taking place across Scotland throughout June and July - the first ones occurring in Kirkwall and Kirkcaldy on Saturday 13 June 2009, and the last ones taking place in Inverness on 25 and 26 July 2009.

Commander 51 (Scottish) Brigade, Brigadier David Allfrey, said:

It's stunning to see how councils and communities across Scotland have fallen in behind the Armed Forces and are working tremendously hard to ensure they get a celebration they deserve. It means a great deal to us.

This is the first year we've joined up with the veterans to celebrate Armed Forces Day and I am sure it will grow bigger each year.

Armed Forces Day should be seen as distinct from Armistice Day on 11 November each year which is a day of reflection and remembrance of those who have fallen.

27 June on the other hand should be a day of fun, pride and spectacle. Of course, we will also take time to think of those serving on operations abroad, and those who have been injured or have made the ultimate sacrifice in the course of their duty.

If all goes well, we will see sailors, soldiers, airmen and their families mixing with cadets from the three Services, our veterans and supporters - all having a great day.