Orkney set to celebrate its Armed Forces community

Orkney Islands Council is encouraging communities across Orkney to come together later this month to celebrate Armed Forces Day 2026 and recognise the contribution of the current and former personnel, reservists, cadets and their families.

Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday in June each year, which is Saturday 27 June this year, and is an opportunity for people across the UK to come together to show support for, and solidarity with, those who serve and have served.

This year, events will be held in both Kirkwall and Stromness, bringing people together from across the county to mark the occasion.

Events will take place on 27 June, with activities including:

• Static displays of military vehicles and equipment
• Stalls staffed by members of the armed forces, reserves and cadet forces
• Stall staffed by local support organisations and charities, including representatives from the Orkney Veterans Breakfast Club and Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (HRFCA), offering information about their own services as well as providing leaflets about available support for service personnel, veterans and their families
• Speeches celebrating the armed forces community in Orkney.
• Coffee afternoon and social events

In Kirkwall, community stalls will form a key part of the day’s activities, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to meet and interact with organisations and charities which support the Armed Forces community and find out more about the services available locally and how they can get involved.

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

“Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity for communities across Orkney to come together and recognise the dedication, sacrifice and service of our Armed Forces community - including serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and the families who support them. Orkney has a long and proud connection with the Armed Forces, shaped by generations of service and by the important role our islands have played throughout history.

These events are about celebrating that connection, showing our appreciation, and making sure those who have served know that their contribution is valued across our communities.

As a Council, we are also proud to be a Silver Award holder under the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising our ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community locally. I would encourage everyone to come along to the events in Kirkwall and Stromness and be part of what promises to be a very special day.”

In recognition of Armed Forces Day, current and former members of the Armed Forces, along with their families, will be able to access a range of special discounts and offers at the Pickaquoy Centre and leisure facilities across Orkney from 22 to 28 June. Full details of the discounts available will be announced shortly.

Additional information:

For more information on the national Armed Forces Day campaign, visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk.

Orkney Islands Council holds a Silver Award under the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme, recognising its commitment to supporting current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.