In pictures: Balaklava Company passes Fit for Role inspection ahead of ceremonial duty

Ahead of their next duties, members of Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, have been under the microscope with their Fit For Role Inspection at Wellington Barracks in London.

As custodians of Scotland's proud military heritage, the soldiers are no strangers to ceremonial duties and regularly represent the nation north of the border with distinction, upholding the highest standards of the British Army.

And they are frequently seen on public duties at Edinburgh Castle and Balmoral with their Shetland pony mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV.

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For the next few weeks, they will add some ceremonial duties south of the border to their repertoire.

These include His Majesty King Charles III's Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Windsor Castle, the iconic Changing of the Guard Ceremony and The Tower Guard.

Ceremonial experts from the Foot Guards have used a comprehensive training package to teach the Scottish soldiers the complex drill manoeuvres and tasks required for being The King's Guard in London and Windsor.

Their hard work and attention to detail were placed under the spotlight with a rigorous inspection of ceremonial uniform and drill sequences carried out by the Household Division's senior officers at the barracks, within sight of Buckingham Palace.

Small mascot stands tall

Corporal Cruachan IV, the beloved mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, accompanied Balaklava Company during the successful inspection.

The Shetland pony took up his role in October 2012 and is believed to have met the late Queen Elizabeth more times than anyone in the British Army, parading in every Royal Estate but one.

The well-groomed, shiny-coated pony has proudly paraded in local towns across Scotland - and even took  a ferry to Stornoway.

He has been front and centre at Buckingham and St James’ Palaces, Balmoral, and Windsor Castles, hilariously tucking into Queen Elizabeth’s bouquet of flowers at Stirling Castle.

Although a tiny 10.3 hands, Cpl Cruachan IV clearly believes he is 6ft tall, according to the British Army!

His ego, pride and self-belief has only grown over the years with appearances in many magazines, including Hello and Vanity Fair.

Cpl Cruachan IV was notionally promoted to the rank of corporal as an honorific distinction in recognition of his service to the regiment.

He is also entitled to wear the operational medals awarded to the regiment during his tenure as mascot.