Bruce says it's been a privilege as he calls time as Governor of Edinburgh Castle

Major General Alastair Bruce has stepped down as Governor of Edinburgh Castle after five-and-a-half years in the role.

"It's been the most marvellous privilege to come here at the end of a career as a Scot and represent all the great Scottish soldiers who have served before," he said.

"This is the foundation stone of Scotland's martial tradition, and to be the Governor here representing the late Queen and His Majesty the King – honestly, it's the best thing I could ever have had. I'm going to miss it like mad."

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The Governor of Edinburgh Castle, a position dating back to 1108, serves as the King's representative in Scotland, maintaining a crucial link between the castle and Scottish soldiers.

Although the Royal Gun Salute, which rang out over Edinburgh, was in honour of the second anniversary of King Charles III's accession to the throne, the event marked a significant moment for the outgoing Governor.

The former Scots Guard fired the One O’Clock Gun as his last official action in the post.

After more than half a decade of overseeing Edinburgh Castle, it was Maj Gen Bruce's last official ceremonial duty in the role.

The Saluting Troop was made up of mixed cap badges from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the RAF Regiment.

Maj Gen Bruce's time as Governor has been punctuated by significant historical events.

He particularly recalls presenting the key to Edinburgh Castle to Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, in what was the last ceremonial event of her life at Holyrood Palace.

"We took the key of this fortress down, just as had been done when George IV came in 1822, 200 years later," he explained.

"And then to have the opportunity to welcome the new King here… and present him with the key… confirms Scotland's sovereign rights under the Crown."

For Maj Gen Bruce, Edinburgh Castle is not just a historic site, but a living part of Scotland's national identity.

"It's always possible to make the ancient and historic feel relevant and alive. All you do is communicate, get involved with people," he said.

"Meet the visitors that come here, welcome the soldiers who have a duty here and ensure that everyone feels this is theirs."

Living within the castle walls has also left a personal mark on Maj Gen Bruce.

During his tenure, he married his husband just outside the castle, a moment he said was "as precious a thing that could possibly have happened".

But there's something else he'll miss – his walks around the ramparts.

"Every night it's a bit of a thing for me, going for a walk around the ramparts, looking out in the rain, sometimes on a lovely, beautiful evening. You just cannot get enough of what a treasure this place is."

As a journalist and a television presenter, the Major General's career extends far beyond the castle gates.

He served with 2nd Battalion Scots Guards in the Falklands in 1982.

As a soldier, he recalls training troops before the Falklands War, a responsibility that left a lasting impression.

He said: "I will never forget the soldiers I had the privilege of training before we all went to the Falklands War.

"I think being Governor of Edinburgh Castle and knowing that the names of the ones I didn't bring back are still in the Scottish National War Memorial... is as profound a real sense of responsibility as I've had."

As the first Bruce to hold the role since Robert the Bruce, the connection to his family lineage is not lost on him.

"To leave the Army today after being Governor of Edinburgh Castle, I can almost feel the tears welling up in me now. It's just the greatest privilege any Scot could have."

However, the Bruce legacy will continue with Major General Bob Bruce taking over as the new Governor.

"I'm really pleased I'm handing it onto another. We're keeping it in the family," Maj Gen Alastair Bruce said.

As for his advice to the new Governor? Alastair Bruce drew on a bit of history for that, too.

"One of the Borgias who was chosen to be pope turned to his family and said 'God has given us the papacy. Now let us enjoy it'.

"My advice to General Bob is 'the Army has given you the greatest role you could possibly have as Governor of Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy it, but enjoy it in promoting the Scottish soldier. Nothing more, nothing less'."