THE Royal Regiment of Scotland will be given the Freedom of Inverclyde at a public parade and ceremony on Saturday 5 September.
The honour was agreed by councillors last year to recognise the service, dedication and sacrifice of the regiment and their strong historical ties with Inverclyde.
Around 100 serving personnel will march along the Esplanade to Battery Park with their popular Shetland Pony mascot Corporal Cruachan IV, Band SCOTS and 2 SCOTS Pipes, Drums and Bugles.
A service will take place at the park, with Provost Drew McKenzie officially presenting the regiment with the Freedom of Inverclyde scroll, the first time it has been awarded.
Provost Drew McKenzie said: “Inverclyde has a long history and proud connection with our armed forces and it will be an honour to award The Royal Regiment of Scotland the first ever Freedom of Inverclyde.
“The location will showcase our wonderful area and I am sure the people of Inverclyde will turn out in their hundreds to enjoy and join in the celebration of this historic event.”
Led by Major Malcolm Morrison, the troops will gather on the Esplanade at 1pm before parading to Battery Park. Members of the public are welcome to watch the parade and attend the service.
At the park, Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy will welcome the guests. Provost McKenzie will then hand over the scroll to Major-General Robin Lindsay CBE, Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
After the service, the parade will continue on to Gourock Primary School.
Councillor Graeme Brooks is Inverclyde’s Armed Forces champion and put forward the motion to grant the Freedom of Inverclyde to the Regiment in 2025, which was backed unanimously by his fellow councillors.
He said: “The brave men and women of The Royal Regiment of Scotland come from our community here in Inverclyde as well as across Scotland. Inverclyde has a long and proud history with the armed forces and this honour is for them as much as for those who are currently serving.
“I am delighted that The Royal Regiment of Scotland is to receive the first ever Freedom of Inverclyde, especially as it is during their 20th anniversary year.”
Major-General Lindsay said: “We are deeply honoured to receive the Freedom of Inverclyde, a community with which the Royal Regiment of Scotland shares a rich and enduring connection.
“This recognition reflects not only the dedication and sacrifice of our soldiers past and present but also the opportunities the army continues to offer young people through gainful employment, and the strong bonds we maintain with the people of Inverclyde.
“As we mark our 20th anniversary, this historic occasion is a proud moment for the entire Regiment.”
The Royal Regiment of Scotland was formed in 2006 through the amalgamation of six of Scotland’s historic Regiments.
It consists of several battalions, each continuing the legacy of their antecedent regiments, namely The Royal Scots, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, The Black Watch, The Highlanders and The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, which was the historic regiment for Inverclyde.
The regiment has served in many conflicts and peacekeeping missions worldwide, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans, and earned numerous commendations.
In addition to its military achievements, The Royal Regiment of Scotland has maintained strong ties with local communities across Scotland, including Inverclyde, through its involvement in community events, charitable activities, and support for veterans.
