HMS Albion, an amphibious assault ship, passes the Green Isle on its way to Faslane Base. Picture by Bill Heaney
By Democrat reporter
Warships, aircraft and thousands of personnel are in Scotland for a UK-led military exercise. Joint Warrior is held twice a year, in spring and autumn.
The first of this year’s exercises involves more than 10,000 personnel, 35 warships, five submarines and 59 aircraft.
The River Clyde, the Firth and Faslane are the gathering points for many of the ships and some of the aircraft have arrived at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.
The exercise will involve live-firing training at ranges in the Highlands, including at Cape Wrath near Durness.
Last April’s staging of Joint Warrior saw a delegation of Russian military personnel come to Scotland to observe one of Europe’s largest Nato exercises.
The visit was in line with the UK’s obligations to the Vienna Document which aims to promote mutual trust and transparency among states signed to it.