Join Orkney this Saturday as it celebrates Armed Forces Day

Orkney Islands Council is inviting the public to join in the celebrations for Armed Forces Day 2026 this Saturday, 27 June, with events taking place in Kirkwall and Stromness.

Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for communities across the United Kingdom to recognise the service and contributions of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and military families, and this year Orkney will mark the occasion with events bringing together local organisations, charities and members of the armed forces community.

Events in Kirkwall kick off at 10:45 am on the Kirk Green with a parade, flag raising and speeches by the Lord Lieutenant, a representative from the Armed Forces and Council Convener Graham Bevan. This will closely be followed in Stromness at the Town House, with a flag raising and speeches by the deputy Lord Lieutenant, an Armed Forces and Council representative at 12 noon.

Cllr David Dawson, The Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said:

"On Saturday, we have the opportunity to say a collective thank you to everyone in our armed forces community - those currently serving, those who have served, our reservists, cadets and the families who support them every day. 

“Orkney has always been proud of its strong and longstanding connection to the armed forces, with a rich history of supporting service personnel across generations, and I hope to see as many people as possible joining us across Kirkwall and Stromness to mark this important day together.”

The formal proceedings will be followed by more relaxed activities, with the Royal British Legion Scotland, Stromness Branch hosting a coffee and information afternoon where everyone is welcome to come and socialise. 

In Kirkwall, there will be stands and static displays where the public can interact with current, reserve, and cadet forces members, as well as representatives from local support groups and charities who will be able to advise on what support is available locally for members of the Armed Forces, both past and present, and provide information on how they can get involved with Orkney’s armed forces community.

To mark Armed Forces Day, current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families can now access a range of discounts at the Pickaquoy Centre and leisure facilities across Orkney, which can be viewed here. 

A valid service card or warrant card must be presented, and the cardholder must be present. Family discounts are available on the same terms as an ActiveLife family membership. The discount does not apply to block-booked exercise classes or personalised gym programmes.