The flag putting Fraserburgh’s seafarers in focus

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-09-04 10:16 2 min read

A group of people standing before a stone monument holding a large red flag.

By the demoduck.co.uk editorial team

Fraserburgh marked Merchant Navy Day by raising the Red Ensign at Saltoun Square on Thursday, 3 September 2026, honouring the seafarers who served during both World Wars and those working at sea today.

Aberdeenshire Council organised the ceremony, which brought together councillors, maritime organisations, community representatives and uniformed groups from across the town.

The Red Ensign over Saltoun Square

The Red Ensign, affectionately known as the “Red Duster”, was raised by Louise Runcie of Fraserburgh Sea Cadets. Gabriel Watt of Fraserburgh RBL Pipe Band played during the ceremony, while Salvation Army representative Sarah-Jane Urmston performed the Last Post.

Merchant Navy Day is observed each September. Alongside remembrance of wartime service, it recognises the continuing work of merchant seafarers carrying goods to and from the UK.

A flag linked to Britain’s merchant fleet

The Red Ensign represented the Merchant Navy personnel remembered at the Fraserburgh gathering. Aberdeenshire Council said merchant seafarers carry more than 95% of the UK’s trade, including food, fuel and everyday goods.

Councillor Doreen Mair, chair of the Banff and Buchan Area Committee, told those assembled that approximately 24,000 men and women from the UK work at sea. She highlighted the dangers faced by crews, including severe conditions and unrest along international shipping routes, as well as prolonged separation from their families.

Fraserburgh’s maritime community represented

Those attending included Mike Newlands, Minister of Fraserburgh and District Parish, and representatives of Fraserburgh’s lifeboat, Mission, Sea Cadets, Salvation Army, Seafit, harbour authorities, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and Moray East.

Mair said the sea, the welfare of those sailing on it and the security of food supplies remain closely connected to everyday life in Fraserburgh and communities along the north-east coast.

Source: Aberdeenshire Council News

Context & actions About this article

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The ceremony details, participants and Merchant Navy figures were drawn from Aberdeenshire Council’s published report.

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