East Lothian Council is among those who raised the Commonwealth flag above its headquarters, at John Muir House, today (Monday) followed by a special ceremony held in the Town House, Haddington.

Accompanied by local schoolchildren, the Provost, Councillor Ludovic Broun-Lindsay, read out a specially written Commonwealth Affirmation and a message from Her Majesty The Queen.

He said:

“Joining together as members of one worldwide Commonwealth community, and valuing the personal dignity and worth of every citizen, we raise this flag as a symbol of the ties of kinship and affinity that we cherish. We draw inspiration from our diversity, and the opportunities for working together, as a rich source of wisdom and a powerful influence for good in the world. We affirm our commitment to upholding the values set out in the Commonwealth Charter, to serving one another in a spirit of respect and understanding, and to advancing development, democracy and co-operation locally, nationally, and internationally. Our pledge is to support the Commonwealth, working together for a future in which there is freedom and justice and prosperity for all, with peace and understanding between peoples and nations. It also my privilege to read out a message from Her Majesty The Queen: “I am pleased to learn that so many people will be taking part in the 'Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth' initiative on Monday 10th March, which will see a record number of Commonwealth flags being raised on one day. I send my good wishes to all who are taking part.” ELIZABETH R.

The provost then welcomed pupils from Preston Lodge and North Berwick High Schools. The Preston Lodge students were all ‘Young Ambassadors’, who help promote extra-curricular sport and the Olympic and Commonwealth values, and the North Berwick students were involved in the Rwanda educational and support project.