Argyll and Bute Council joined with 500 councils, civic dignitaries, community groups and charities throughout the United Kingdom today (Monday 10 March) who took part in local flag raising events and ceremonies of dedication to mark Commonwealth Day.

The flag raising event is one of the increasing numbers of community activities taking place nationwide to mark the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Depute Provost Councillor Douglas Philand read a short message from HM The Queen followed by the Commonwealth Affirmation, pledging on behalf of Argyll and Bute to support the Commonwealth before raising the Commonwealth Flag at 10am at the council’s headquarters, Kilmory, Lochgilphead.

He was accompanied by primary one pupils Andrew Ritchie and Rowan MacDonald, and primary seven pupils Connor Rennie and Ailsa Wilson representing Lochgilphead Joint Campus who, with school pupils all over Argyll and Bute, have been involved in activities marking the Commonwealth Games.

“This is an extraordinary event connecting communities the length and breadth of the UK and the Channel Islands, and uniting the fifty three cultures and communities around the globe which form the Commonwealth,” said Councillor Philand.

“It gives me great pleasure to perform this flag raising task and affirm our support for the Commonwealth on behalf of the communities of Argyll and Bute.

“Our communities are busy getting active, marking the Commonwealth Games Legacy which promotes activities and the use of local facilities. The earlier children understand the importance of regular physical activity, the greater the contribution to a healthier, active life – and where better to begin than in our schools.

“The council’s Active Schools service has encouraged primary and secondary school pupils to take part in the Commonwealth Games Passport project which awards points for each sporting activity in which they participate. Our primary schools are also participating in a Commonwealth Games art project to create a piece of cloth which represents Scotland’s welcome to the Commonwealth in 2014.

“All in all, the Commonwealth Games will leave a lasting legacy for Argyll and Bute.”