Royal Navy on ceremonial guard at Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse for first time
Sailors from the Royal Navy are providing the ceremonial guard at Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse for the first time in history.
More than 100 sailors are involved in the duties, which are usually undertaken by soldiers from The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The Senior Service is marking the beginning of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland with a welcome parade at the palace.
Sailors from across the country welcome the High Commissioner of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Lady Elish Angiolini during the historic Ceremony of the Keys.
The Pipes and Drums of 1st Battalion Scots Guards and The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland provide the musical accompaniment for the event, with 105th Regiment Royal Artillery firing from Edinburgh Castle as the Lord High Commissioner sets out in Procession to the General Assembly.
The Royal Navy contingent will remain on guard duty at both the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle until Thursday 22 May.
Warrant Officer 1 Glynn "Moffs" Moffat, the Royal Navy's State Ceremonial Training Officer, said: "It is a tremendous privilege and honour for the Royal Navy to be granted the unique opportunity, for the first time in history, to mount the ceremonial guard at both Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
"These men and women, having so proudly represented the Royal Navy during the VE Day commemorations, now carry that same sense of duty and pride into the heart of Edinburgh.
"This historic moment follows a remarkable period in which the Royal Navy took centre stage as the lead service at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - another proud chapter in our enduring relationship with the city and its traditions.
"As someone who served aboard HMS Edinburgh and had the honour of marching her ship's company up The Royal Mile when we were granted the Freedom of the City in 2013, it's incredibly special to return under such historic circumstances. It truly feels like coming home."
The sailors have carried out intensive rehearsals alongside the Army at Redford Barracks in the city to ensure they understood the intricate routines and movements needed for their duties.
The Naval Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Brigadier Andrew Muddiman said: "The General Assembly week is an important fixture in the Scottish calendar, and I’m delighted that this year the Royal Navy is able to provide the ceremonial support, from the Ceremony of the Keys to the individual guard mounts at the Palace and Edinburgh Castle.
"It’s a privilege to be in attendance for Lady Angiolini as the Lord High Commissioner as she inspects the Guard of Honour and meets our young sailors.
"For some this will be their first time in Edinburgh, for others a welcome return to the city.
"This is an opportunity for the Royal Navy to showcase its ceremonial skill and precision to the people of Scotland, who will not be disappointed."
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