Soldiers get creative in Christmas tradition dating back to Second World War
Soldiers have been taking part in a Christmas tradition that has its roots in the Second World War.
Members of the Royal Regiment of Scotland have been taking part in their annual blanket decorating competition.
The custom began as a way to raise a bit of festive cheer in the bleak winter conditions in the field during the war.
The troops decorate blankets with drawings, cartoons and stories and hang up them for other members of the unit to admire.
Members from across the regiment who are based around the country – from Fort George in the Highlands all the way down to Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire – took part in this year's competition.
The winner came from 4 Scots, who are based in the north of England, with Corporal Lewis Devlin-May's design Here's To The Rest Of The Game beating the opposition.
It is part of the regiment's 'Silly Week' in the build-up to the festive season that includes the Jocks' Christmas Lunch – where officers serve the soldiers as a thank-you for their commitment to the job over the year.
Captain Andy McLellan, unit welfare officer at 4 Scots, said: "It's important that, as a regiment, we keep Army traditions alive.
"While our WW2 veterans' circumstances were far bleaker than ours, it's a nice way to celebrate and acknowledge the dedication of our troops past and present.
"Every year in the Army is a challenging year, however. We put our soldiers through their paces, push their limits, and demand strong physical and mental resilience.
"So, as the year winds down, it's nice to have a period where we don't take ourselves too seriously, and can look back on the year and get creative ahead of our Christmas break."
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