GLASGOW will salute its troops tomorrow as the city celebrates Armed Forces Day.

The centrepiece of the celebrations will be a parade featuring serving members of the Royal Navy, the Army, Royal Air Force and veterans and cadets from all services.

It will begin at Holland Street at 2pm and follow a route along West Regent Street, West George Street and around George Square.

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty will then officially salute the parade in her role as Lord Lieutenant, before a flypast featuring a squad of Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter planes from No 6 Squadron RAF passes overhead.

The Lord Provost said: "Every year Glasgow puts on a great show for Armed Forces Day.

"The event allows us the opportunity to celebrate the honour, pride and courage of those who have served in the military.

"It's always a pleasure to welcome the armed forces and their families to our city and to show our support.

"This year we have a host of attractions and activities for all the family to enjoy. It's going to be a great day.

"I really hope people come along and show their support and appreciation and enjoy the day's entertainment."

As well as the parade, spectators can enjoy music from Britain's Got Talent finalist Edward Reid, X Factor's Holly Burns, pipe bands and choirs.

Those with more adventurous tastes may be drawn to the 30ft climbing wall, the armoured vehicles and assault course.

Veterans with weary feet after the marching will be given star treatment and will be able to get home or to the next event with ease because Glasgow Taxis Ltd has donated the use of a cab, proudly bearing the Territorial Army's insignia, to ferry ex-forces' personnel to their next destination.

Stephen Flynn, vice-chairman of Glasgow Taxis, is proud the firm is taking part and hopes its efforts can help promote the ideals of the TA.

He said: "The TA provides a vital role of support for our country's Armed Forces network, while many of our drivers have served in the Army or are active members of the Reserves.

"Our specially branded taxis have been promoting the TA's recruitment campaign around the clock as they drive around the Glasgow's streets. We are happy for those very cabs to play a part in Saturday's celebrations by helping to help transport our heroes."

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Higgens, who helped organise the event, believes the day is the perfect chance for communities to show support for their loved ones who are serving or have done so.

He said: "The Armed Forces are required to make a selfless commitment to service and sometimes to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

"We are drawn from society so for the people from where we recruit to come out and show their appreciation is vitally important."

chris.taylor@ heraldandtimes.co.uk