Royal Regiment of Scotland granted freedom of Argyll & Bute

The regiment and their Shetland pony mascot Corporal Cruachan IV marched through Lochgilphead

The Royal Regiment of Scotland has been granted the freedom of Argyll and Bute following a weekend ceremony.

The honour was given to the regiment in recognition of service to both the whole country and to the local area.

More than 100 soldiers marched through Lochgilphead town centre, with bayonets fixed and colours flying, before gathering on the Front Green for the presentation of the Freedom scroll to Major-General Robin Lindsay CBE, the regimental colonel.

A special meeting of Argyll and Bute Council was also held on Saturday at the council's headquarters at Kilmory Castle in Lochgilphead to formally award the honour.

The regiment's famous Shetland pony mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV, was also in attendance for the occasion.

Councillor Douglas Philand, provost of Argyll and Bute, said the day reflected the deep and long-standing connection between the regiment and the local area, forged through centuries of shared history and service."

He added that the ceremony was a "celebration of tradition, courage, and local pride."

The council's armed forces champion, Councillor William Sinclair, handed over the freedom scroll on behalf of the council.

He said added: "The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were awarded the Freedom of Argyll and Bute in 1979, recognising the regiment's long-standing relationship with the area.

"It is therefore a great honour to be part of today's ceremony and bestow this proud tradition upon The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

"I think everyone will agree that watching the marching of the colours through Lochgilphead was a powerful and moving experience."

The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the British Army's most deployed infantry unit. It consists of three (formerly five) regular and two reserve battalions.

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders merged with other regiments, such as the Black Watch and the Royal Highland Fusiliers, to form the Royal Regiment in 2006.