24/06/2008 07:00:00
Sunday will bring the opening of the UK's first veteran-themed film festival, which is taking place in Stirling. The festival will run until the sixth of July and is part of Stirling Council's fortnight of celebrations for Veteran's Day.
Special guests attending the festival include veteran paratrooper Richard Todd and ex-squadron leader Colin McGregor. Todd, the festival's patron, has recorded a special message that will be screened as the opening feature on Sunday.
Todd starred in The Longest Day, which was voted the best war film of all time by British veterans. He played Major John Howard while another actor played Todd himself. The film will be screened on Sunday evening.
McGregor, brother of Crieff-born actor Ewan McGregor, recently served in Iraq and will be speaking to an audience on Monday following a screening of The Dam Busters.
The BBC writes that Stirling Provost, Fergus Wood, said: "We're very proud to host Scotland's premier Veterans Day event, and have arranged a full programme of entertainment to appeal to all ages starting with the Film Festival.
"I hope people will join us this summer to salute all those who have served."
The festival follows the beginning of the Edinburgh Film Festival last week and several other arts festivals, such as the weekend's Dundee Literary Festival.