TWO Lake District visitor attractions are going to be part of history in the making on Monday, when Commonwealth Day is marked by the raising of 500 Commonwealth flags around the UK and in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

Both Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway have been honoured by being awarded flags to raise as part of an expression of commitment to the Commonwealth and its values. They are the only visitor attractions in Cumbria to have been directly awarded a flag.

The ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth’ initiative has been created to celebrate the amazing and influential family of nations that spans all the continents of the world. It is marketing the true value of the Commonwealth as an increasingly multi-cultural world seeks unity, understanding and tolerance.

The Ullswater ‘Steamers’ flag will be raised at the Pooley Bridge pier house at 10am on Monday by Jane Hasell-McCosh DL.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s flag will be raised at exactly the same time at Ravenglass Station by two children chosen from the local Waberthwaite Primary School.

Lake District Estates runs both Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and is delighted to have not only been selected, but to have also have been given two of the nine flags awarded to Cumbria.

Its Chief Executive, Jim Walker, said: “We are honoured to have been selected to fly two of the Commonwealth flags and believe we certainly fit the criteria for this initiative, which stipulated that flags should be raised in significant, strategic and eye-catching locations. Both of our attractions boast stunning natural backdrops and so will provide a stunning setting for the ceremony.

“We welcome visitors each year from across the Commonwealth, so hope that our flags will have special significance for these overseas visitors, who are increasingly exploring the quieter areas of the Lake District. As a family owned company we are proud of the warm welcome we offer all our passengers and are delighted to have the opportunity of highlighting the tourism industry’s role in doing this in Cumbria.”