THE Royal Regiment of Scotland has been granted the Freedom of Argyll and Bute.
A special meeting of Argyll and Bute Council was held on Saturday, September 20 at Lochgilphead where they passed a resolution.
After the proceedings, more than 100 soldiers marched through Lochgilphead town centre before gathering at the Front Green.
There, the Freedom scroll was presented to Major-General Robin Lindsay CBE, the Regimental Colonel.
The Regiment's famed Shetland pony mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV, was also on hand for the occasion.
The Provost of Argyll and Bute, Councillor Douglas Philand, said: “The council is proud to bestow the Freedom of Argyll and Bute upon the Royal Regiment of Scotland, in recognition of their distinguished service to our country and their valued contributions to our communities.
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"This honour reflects the deep and long-standing connection between the Regiment and the local area, forged through centuries of shared history and service.
“Today’s ceremony is a moment of great significance - not only for the regiment, but for the people of Argyll and Bute. It is a celebration of tradition, courage, and local pride. It continues a legacy that began with the Argyllshire Highlanders and lives on today in the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
"We are honoured to play a part in recognising their service and reaffirming the strong bond between the Regiment and this remarkable region.”
The council's armed forces champion, Councillor William Sinclair, who presented the scroll, added: "Today marks an extremely special and historic event that enables us to pay tribute to the armed forces personnel who serve our country and thank them for their distinguished service, while celebrating the deep historic ties that bind our communities to the regiment.
“The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were awarded the Freedom of Argyll and Bute in 1979, recognising the regiment’s long-standing relationship with the area.
"It is therefore a great honour to be part of today’s ceremony and bestow this proud tradition upon the Royal Regiment of Scotland. I think everyone will agree that watching the marching of the colours through Lochgilphead was a powerful and moving experience.”
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