The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) was formed in 2006 through the amalgamation of Scotland’s historic infantry regiments to form a single fighting force. They are the senior line infantry regiment and the only Scottish line infantry of the British Army.
In June 2008, Dumfries and Galloway Council was the first area in Scotland to grant the Royal Regiment of Scotland the Freedom of the region.
Fifteen years on, The Royal Regiment of Scotland will Exercise the Freedom of Dumfries and Galloway on Friday 9 June 2023.
Lieutenant Colonel Hugo I M Clark MBE SCOTS of The Royal Regiment of Scotland said: “I am really proud to be representing the Colonel of the Regiment when soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland exercise their Freedom of Dumfries on 9 June. We trace our close connection to Dumfries through the King’s Own Scottish Borderers – one of the oldest and most distinguished of our antecedent Regiments. I hope that the people of Dumfries will take time out to watch the parade on Friday morning and talk to our soldiers afterwards. For all this very ancient, proud heritage, they will find that the British Army is professional and forward-looking, made up of motivated young people, proud of being Scottish and reflective of modern Scottish society – in short, they’re people just like you.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council Civic Head, Councillor Malcolm Johnstone said: “Our Council is proud to share that The Royal Regiment of Scotland will exercise their Freedom of Dumfries and Galloway fifteen years on from when it was first granted to them. Many local men and women serve in the Royal Regiment of Scotland, carrying out difficult and often dangerous asks on our behalf, so this is a unique opportunity for the people of Dumfries and Galloway to show their appreciation, and to welcome these soldiers back. Along with our freedom for The Royal British Legion Scotland, and our Armed Forces Covenant, this demonstrates our region’s support for our armed forces.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE said: “We welcome once again the Royal Regiment of Scotland to exercise their Freedom Right to march in Dumfries. The Regiment was awarded the Freedom of Dumfries and Galloway in 2008, and we are extremely pleased to see them exercising their rights in our region. We know that the people of Dumfries and Galloway will come out to show their support on 9 June to line the route and to cheer on our soldiers, cadets and veterans, in the same way that they have always done. We are looking forward to seeing the exhibitions from the Royal Regiment of Scotland promoting SCOTS heritage and the work of the regimental museum and from the SCOTS Infantry Engagement Team that will be on display in the town centre.
“At the same time, and in support of our friends in Ukraine, there will be a Help for Ukraine stall where you can show your support by donating items such as first aid kits, household medicines, rucksacks and cotton t-shirts or where you can simply make a donation. These items are vital not only for those serving on the front line but are also vital for those civilian families that have remained in Ukraine.”
The Parade will consist of:
• Cruachan IV Pony
• The Royal Regiment of Scotland Military Bands
• The Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipes and Drums
• Colour Party
• Guards
• Representatives of local Royal British Legion Scotland Branches will join the parade at Buccleuch Street.
The Parade will form up at the car park of DG One at 11.45, depart on the route at 12 noon, and return at the end of the Parade at 12.45pm. There will be displays and exhibition stands
from the Royal Regiment of Scotland – promoting SCOTS heritage and the work of the regimental museum, the SCOTS Infantry Engagement Team, and Help for Ukraine at the Planestanes, High Street, Dumfries from 10am to 2.30pm.
ENDS
For further information, please contact [email protected] or call Hazel Kerr 07917078862 or Liz Manson on 07826 512765
Further information is also available on The Royal Regiment of Scotland website.
https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/infantry/royal-regiment-of-scotland/
For Royal Regiment of Scotland press or media enquiries please contact SO2 Communications and Engagements at [email protected].
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