Royal Regiment Of Scotland Impresses Some Of The Army's Toughest Judges

The Royal Regiment of Scotland managed to impress some of the Army’s toughest judges as they prepare to take on ceremonial guard duties in London.

Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, are now ready to stand guard outside Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London, after the soldiers passed a Fit For Role Inspection and impressed judges at Wellington Barracks, Westminster.

Senior Officers from the Household Division judged Balaklava Company on their skills, drills, kit, uniform and marching capabilities.

Although Balaklava Company did pass, the judges still had a few suggestions.

Sergeant Stuart McGregor, Balaklava Company, said: "It was just the basics - locking your arms out which makes it look a lot smarter."

"There was nothing major, which is a good thing, especially for Balaklava Company and The Royal Regiment of Scotland."

Edinburgh-based Balaklava Company is no stranger to ceremonial duties. As a Public Duties Incremental Company, it is responsible for conducting ceremonial duties in Scotland.

Over the past few years, the company has provided the Guard of Honour for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and also provided the Royal Guard at Balmoral Castle in 2014 and 2017 and will do so again this year.

The company can trace its lineage back to 1793 when King George III wrote to John, 5th Duke of Argyll, asking him to raise a kilted regiment of 1,100 men.

Over the past 225 years the Unit has changed in name several times and served in numerous campaigns including the Napoleonic, Crimean, Boer, First and Second World Wars and Korea, winning a total of 16 Victoria Crosses.