Navy and Army get ready for key role in Scottish coronation event
Members of the Royal Navy and British Army have been training for their role in the ceremony that will see the King presented with the Honours of Scotland.
The Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication in Edinburgh on Wednesday is seen as the Scottish leg of the coronation – where King Charles will be presented with the crown jewels of Scotland.
Members of all three Armed Forces will take part in a parade and ceremonial guard on the Royal Mile on the day.
Personnel from the Royal Navy have joined soldiers from the 5th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (5 Scots) at their base at Redford Barracks to prepare for the event.
Chief Petty Officer Tom Coogans of HMS Collingwood said: "It's quite phenomenal really – understanding the history.
"This is a tradition that's going back many monarchs and understanding that what we actually represent within that within the beautiful city of Edinburgh itself."
5 Scots take part in the majority of the Royal Regiment of Scotland's ceremonial duties.
Private Ryan Waddell added: "I think it's very important that we provide the guard of honour.
"We are based in Edinburgh so I think it makes sense for 5 Scots to take part in the parade."
The parade members have been practising on the drills square to ensure any nerves and mistakes are ironed out before the event on 5 July.
"The training has been good," Lance Corporal Deroin Simpson said.
"It's been pretty much repetitive – they've been getting us going through the same motions constantly, so we are getting them correct every time.
"So, when we do perform them on the day, it's to the high standard possible."
Able Seaman Kalem Cutts, of HMS Nelson, added: "It's an honour to march alongside the tri-service guard.
"Obviously, Senior Service is the best service and there is that friendly banter between us all but it's actually a privilege."
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