East Ayrshire Council hoisted the Red Ensign, or ‘Red Duster’, to mark the annual Merchant Navy Day and raise awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers.

The council was supporting 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.

Guests were once again welcomed to the flag-raising ceremony, which takes place at the East Ayrshire Council buildings each year.

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Provost Jim Todd said: “We were pleased to support Merchant Navy Day as it provides an opportunity to celebrate and honour all those who serve or have served as merchant seafarers.

“Their bravery kept supply lines open during two World Wars and more recently, they played a crucial role in maintaining the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Today, modern-day merchant seafarers are indispensable as they handle the majority of the UK's imports, therefore it’s important that we recognise their work both now and in the future.

"We also recognised the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, a Merchant Navy organisation of civilian-crewed ships which provide vital logistic and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines."