Royal Regiment of Scotland marks 20th anniversary with Edinburgh muster parade
A parade has been held in Edinburgh to mark the 20th anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Soldiers serving with the unit were joined by veterans as they marched from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile to mark the occasion.
The regiment was formed in March 2006 from Scotland's six historic regiments as part of a wider restructuring of the military.
The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland led the way through the rain-soaked historic Old Town, followed by the Pipes and Drums of 3 SCOTS and 4 leading the way.
Serving soldiers were joined by past members of the regiment for the muster march and an act of remembrance to pay tribute to those who have passed away.
Drummer Ray Beyron from 4 SCOTS said: "I think it's very important because it keeps up culture and it keeps up why we did the job.
"It keeps like a long story of multiple men before us that did it before us and I think it's incredible that we keep it up.
"I think it's awesome and you see a lot of people coming here just to watch us, it's incredible."
The Royal Regiment of Scotland was formed in 2006 following a huge reorganisation of the infantry.
Since it was formed, the Royal Regiment of Scotland has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia, as well as the Middle East and on Nato missions in Europe.
It has also assisted with the response to the Covid outbreak and supported communities in the UK affected by wildfires and flooding.
Commanding Officer of 2 SCOTS, Lieutenant Colonel Ollie Bridle, said: "We're proud to be marking 20 years of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
"Over that time, the regiment has brought together generations of soldiers, united by a shared identity, heritage and sense of service, all under one cap badge.
"We were founded on the legacy of historic Scottish infantry regiments, representing over 390 years of continuous service.
"Today, we stand as one regiment with a clear identity and purpose."
He went on: "SCOTS soldiers are tough. They're strong. They've got that sense of humour that you need on the hardest days.
"They face problems head on and when it's done, they move forward and don't look back.
"This anniversary is about recognising everyone who has served with us, our veterans, our fallen, and those serving today, whether at home or overseas.
"It's also about looking ahead to the next generation and the important role that SCOTS soldiers will continue to play in the years to come."
The Royal Regiment of Scotland was formed when The Royal Scots, the King's Own Scottish Borderers, the Royal Highland Fusiliers, The Black Watch, The Highlanders, and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, were all amalgamated into it.
The decision to amalgamate the historic regiments was considered controversial at the time with campaign groups calling for the identity of the notable units to be protected.
Tony Ronaldson, who served with the Queen's Own Highlanders through to its transition to the SCOTS, said: "Feels like yesterday.
"I remember when I came back from Africa and took my old cap badge out, put my new cap badge in, and just carried on, but it's very fitting that we commemorate the 20th anniversary this year.
"There's obviously an element of sorrow, regret or in some cases frustration about the changes that happen in the Army but change has always happened, it's happened throughout the centuries from different antecedent regiments to regiments in 2006.
"I'm still a proud Fusilier Highlander but I'm also proud of every battalion and every soldier that served with the Royal Regiment because Jocks are Jocks.
"There's no change as a cohort of soldiers and Scotsman and people from all over the commonwealth who have served in this regiment."
A series of events to mark the anniversary are planned throughout the year with a commemorative sculpture to be unveiled in the city's Princes Street Gardens in July.
Join Our Newsletter
