The Red Ensign is flying in South Ayrshire today to celebrate Merchant Navy Day.
The men and women who sail our seas as part of the Merchant Navy are responsible for ninety five percent of the United Kingdom's imports. They transport half of the food we eat and a massive amount of the fuel we use, so it's safe to say that without them the country would grind to a halt. South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie said: "It's often easy to be complacent about the role the Merchant Navy play in our lives, but they made a huge difference during both World Wars and they continue to play a significant role today."