A tribute to the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the armed forces is taking place in Largs on Saturday with a host of activities at Broomfields.

A tribute to the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the armed forces is taking place in Largs on Saturday with a host of activities at Broomfields.

As well as a sponsored walk from Largs war memorial to the Pencil, there will be a gazebo with over 30 stalls in the grassed area next to May Street, from noon to 6pm, with fun for all the family.

Over 1,000 visitors from all around Ayrshire are expected to visit, and participate in a special day of activities to support SSAFA - Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association. There will also be a low-level fly-past of a Sea King helicopter from HMS Gannet, a gazebo village to promote the work of SSAFA, and the armed forces at Broomfields (May Street).

The day of activities begins with a drumhead service starting at the war memorial at 11am before the sponsored walk to the Pencil begins at 11.30am. From noon till 6pm, there will be a gazebo village at Broomfields.

Royal British Legion Scotland will be running the drumhead service, with the 1st Largs Boys’ Brigade Band providing the pipes and drums for this event. Lord Lieutenant John Duncan and Provost Joan Sturgeon will head a list of dignitaries at the memorial.

Largs Boys’ Brigade band will be leading the way during the sponsored walk event. The walk will be started with the cutting of the ribbon by the chairman of SSAFA Ayrshire, Graham Piggot.

Robert Wright, volunteer fundraiser for SSAFA, who has arranged the event, said: “The good news is we now have Four Para from Glasgow coming to the event to represent the army.

“There will be over 30 stalls on the day at Broomfields and they will be open from noon until 4pm. There is something for everyone at the gazebo village, with sit-on lawn mowers from J S Montgomery, disabled scooters from Largs Mobility Centre and Institute of Advanced Motorists Ayrshire.” And family fun is guaranteed, too, with a falconry display, Tommy the Clown, and face painter Liz Howatson.

There will be craft work from crafters at Sparkle Moon, Home Sweet Kitchen, and burger, doughnut and ‘slush puppy’ stalls. And KA Dance Group will have lots to do for the younger people attending.

Robert added: “We are also very pleased to announce that the HMS Gannet will be coming for a fly-past at midday, so we are hoping the people of Largs and surrounding area will come out and show their support.

“SSAFA will be asking the people at the gazebo village to wave to them as the officers have gone out their way to make this happen.

Last year alone, the charity provided support and assistance to 5,000 veterans and their families in Scotland.

Robert said the Ayrshire branch, based at 10 Adayre Road, Prestwick, covers the forces and their families along the whole west coast from ‘Stranraer to Skelmorlie’. Their needs are centred around help with the home, accommodation, homelessness and debt, often compounded by mental health issues.

The overall day, entitled ‘Walk a mile in their shoes’, is in aid of SSAFA Lifelong support for our forces and families.

* SSAFA Ayrshire has laid on a free shuttle bus from the marina car parks to the events from 8am to 5pm, with two 53 seater buses taking the walkers from the Pencil back to the gazebo village. Sponsor forms for the walking event are available by emailing SSAFARobertWright@outlook.com or by phoning 07812 371420.

A Sea King fly-past is planned