A SHETLAND pony named Cruachan will lead West Dunbartonshire's annual Armed Forces Day parade through Clydebank on Sunday.

The hugely-popular veteran mascot will head a column of troops from Dumbarton Company, 51 Highland, 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, in a procession staged to mark a national day of recognition for the services - and to mark the sacrifice of those who have died or been badly injured in conflicts past and present.

The procession, also involving by local cadets, scouts and veterans, begins at the town's Three Queens Square at 1pm, and organisers are calling for a repeat of last year's Dumbarton event, when people lined the road to cheer the marchers.

Provost Douglas McAllister and Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE Lord Lieutenant for Dunbartonshire, will perform the salute outside Clydebank Town Hall before the start of a short commemorative service at Morison Memorial Church on Dumbarton Road, Clydebank.

The service will be led by the Reverend Gregor McIntyre of Faifley Parish Church, and members of the public are welcome to attend.

Provost McAllister said: "With a strong armed forces community in West Dunbartonshire, and even more of our residents with a Forces connection through relatives or friends, Armed Forces Day has been an important part of our calendar of events since the day was established in 2009.

"The event is an opportunity to recognise our serving Forces personnel, veterans and cadets, and come together as a community to celebrate the brave individuals who serve. I hope as many people as possible will join me to mark Armed Forces Day 2016."

After assembling at Three Queens Square the parade will step off at around 1.30pm, proceeding via Abbotsford Road, Chalmers Street, Kilbowie Road and Dumbarton Road.

The salute will be taken by Provost McAllister and Michael Gregory at around 1.45pm, and the service at Morison Memorial Church begins at 2pm.

A flag-raising ceremony will also be held at the council's Garshake Road offices in Dumbarton on Monday, June 20.