On Merchant Navy Day today, Forth Ports will fly the Red Ensign flag at the ports of Leith, Grangemouth and Dundee to raise awareness and say thank you for the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers.

Forth Ports is supporting a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the UK Merchant Navy’s official flag to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs tomorrow to mark Merchant Navy Day.

Captain Bob Baker, Chief Harbour Master at Forth Ports said: “As one of the UK’s largest port groups, it is important that we give our support and thanks on Merchant Navy Day to acknowledge the work of seafarers for this country. As well as our three ports raising the Red Ensign on the 3rd of September, my team will also be fundraising for the Seafarers charity.”

The charity’s president, HRH The Earl of Wessex, has endorsed the campaign, saying: “On this Merchant Navy Day, I very much hope you will support this campaign to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy.”

Seafarers UK is a leading grant-making charity that helps people in the maritime community, by providing vital funding to support seafarers in need and their families. Merchant Navy Day has been commemorated since 2000 on 3 September, the anniversary of the sinking of the SS Athenia, the first British merchant vessel lost during World War 2.