The importance of working together to create a better future was the central theme of a special ceremony held by South Ayrshire Council today (12 March). The Commonwealth Flag was raised at the town's St Germain-en-Laye Gardens in Ayr, marking Commonwealth Day 2018.
Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, with civic dignitaries, local authorities, schools, community groups and charities throughout the British Isles taking part in local events.
Each year is themed and 2018 builds on last year's 'A Peace- Building Commonwealth', to look at 'Towards a Common Future' which looks at how the Commonwealth can address global challenges and work to create a better future for all citizens through sub-themes of sustainability, safety, prosperity and fairness.
The Commonwealth Charter asserts that everyone is equal and deserves to be treated fairly, whether they are rich or poor, without regard to their race, age, gender, belief or other identity.
Helen Moonie, South Ayrshire Provost, said this year's theme seemed particularly timely, "We're committed to making life better for people in South Ayrshire and promoting equality for all goes to the heart of everything we do.
"We celebrated LBGT rights throughout February and lent our support to the recent International Women's Day which is campaigning to press for progress and change attitude to gender issues.
"But working together to create a fairer world is a job for all of us and it will only be by truly listening to understand today's issues that we'll be able to make positive changes for future generations."
2018 also marked the final commemoration of the centenary of World War One through a Single Commemorative Act.
Four candles were extinguished and relit to symbolise the end of darkness after the conflict ended.
This was attended by politicians from across the political spectrum, the Vice Lord Lieutenant, The Queens Own Yeomanry, RAFA, Air cadets, Royal British Legion, the Indian Consulate, the Honorary Consulate General of Ghana, and representatives from the emergency services.