MEMBERS of East Renfrewshire Council marked Commonwealth Day on Monday with a flag-raising ceremony.

The ceremony, performed by Provost Jim Fletcher, was one of more than 1,000 which took place across the UK and the British Commonwealth countries.

Provost Fletcher was joined by Lord Lieutenant Guy Clark, councillors and members of the council’s corporate management at the ceremony at the council headquarters in Giffnock.

READ MORE: National No Smoking Day: Smokers urged to quit to help health services

The Provost delivered a Commonwealth Affirmation message before raising the flag.
The ‘Fly the Flag’ initiative, now in its fifth year, marks the collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth. 

It allows participants to show appreciation for the values upheld by the Commonwealth, and Commonwealth countries to work together inclusively and in a spirit of goodwill towards democracy and development.

Provost Fletcher said: “I was delighted to be asked to raise the Commonwealth Flag again this year, as part of our annual support for Commonwealth Day.

READ MORE: Barrhead pooch scoops top prize at Crufts​

“This event gives the whole of East Renfrewshire an opportunity to come together to celebrate the links between Commonwealth communities.

“I was pleased pupils from Netherlee Primary were able to join us and be part of this event today. I hope we can continue to educate the future generation about the importance of continuing to observe and strengthen the bond that ties the Commonwealth together.”

The theme for this year is ‘A Connected Commonwealth’, which explores how the Commonwealth can address global challenges.

Commonwealth flags were also flown across the world with ceremonies in The Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Malaysia, Maldives, Republic of Malta and Mauritius to name a few.