Camouflage and an assault on a fortress were on the agenda at the Fleet Protection Group RM HQ at Faslane – as was an ice cream van.

The camouflage resembled rabbits, tigers and the like, and the fortress in question was a bouncy castle – and around 150 family members and friends attended the Families Day.

All the ingredients fell into place – the weather at Faslane was sunny, speed-boat rides were available in rigid inflatable boats and rapid raiders, and there was a range of fun activities – all for free.

It is the first open day since the 500-strong FPGRM moved into their new base in 2001, and while the grown-ups were learning more about what their loved ones do, the children were allowed to explore and investigate the equipment – particularly popular were the antics of a sophisticated bomb disposal robot belonging to the Northern Diving Group.

The Royal Marines Band Scotland jazz ensemble helped the barbecue go with a swing, and for some there was the chance to visit a submarine.

The Families Day was planned to coincide with the 300th anniversary celebrations of the capture of Gibraltar from the Spanish on July 1704 by a brigade of English and Dutch marines – the FPGRM HQ is named Gibraltar Building.