Army

Big nerves, even bigger pride: Balaklava Coy assume King's Guard duties

The troops were put through their paces as they paraded in full ceremonial uniform

Dressed in immaculate full kilt attire, Balaklava Company 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland stepped off from Wellington Barracks, making their way to Buckingham Palace to assume their guard duties.

Having undergone rigorous training to step in for the regular Foot Guards, they bring with them valuable experience from ceremonial duties at Edinburgh Castle and Balmoral Castle, casting a spotlight on Scottish culture and heritage.

No strangers to public duties in London since first performing them in 2019, the company was once again accompanied by their beloved Shetland pony mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV.

Pressure behind excellence

There is a pressure to ceremonial duties, which regularly attracts tens of thousands of spectators, explained Company Sergeant Major, WO2 Gordon Brown.

"A lot of the young guys, this is their first time carrying out this duty," he said. "If you mess up, there are thousands of people there watching you.

"In today's society, everyone films everything and puts it directly onto social media, so that's ever-present in your mind."

He added there is an additional pressure of learning the intricate foot drill to the highest standard, "so that we can actually represent the regiment to the best of our abilities".

5 SCOTS begin their march to Buckingham Palace, accompanied by Cpl Cruachan IV who took up his role in October 2012 — 5 Scots begin their march to Buckingham Palace, accompanied by Cpl Cruachan IV, who took up his role in 2012 (Picture: BFBS)

Family culture

Speaking to BFBS Forces News, Private Roy Robertson spoke of the mix of nerves and pride ahead of his first ceremonial duty since joining the company seven weeks ago.

Following in the footsteps of his second cousin and great-uncle, who served in the same unit, family heritage was a big motivation for him to join.

"They're stoic men, and I always looked up to them in a passionate way," he said.

“[My family] are quite proud of me now, especially getting out and exploring the world and doing something proud for the country."

When asked how he would handle the attention of the large crowds expected, Pte Robertson smiled: "It's going to be hard, but I just need to stay focused – I'm trained for this."

Pvt Robertson told BFBS Forces News his first ceremonial duty comes with a mixed feeling of nerves and pride — Pte Robertson told BFBS Forces News his first ceremonial duty comes with mixed feelings of nerves and pride (Picture: BFBS)

The Royal Regiment of Scotland, formed in 2006, is the only remaining Scottish line infantry regiment and represents a consolidation of historic Scottish regiments.

Although an independent rifle company, Baklava Company is renowned for its ceremonial presence in Scotland, with Royal Guard duties being one of its most privileged roles.

While pipers and drummers are an integral part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, they are soldiers first and foremost, serving in conflicts all across the globe and a testament to their versatility.