Buckie and Huntly give warm welcome to Royal Regiment anniversary parades
The historic amalgamation of two Scottish Army regiments 30 years ago has been celebrated with a series of special marches.
Soldiers from the 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland - or 4SCOTS as they are often known - proudly made their way through Buckie to mark the day in 1994 when the Gordon Highlanders - which traditionally counted Buckie as one of its recruiting area - and the Queen’s Own Highlanders merged.
Around 95 soldiers in all, accompanied by regimental mascot Cruachan IV, their Shetland pony, marched in glorious sunshine. Bringing up the rear were two Army quad bikes plus an armoured vehicle.
Prior to the Buckie march, on Tuesday, an event was held at Craigiellachie Bridge to reprise the 1994 ceremony when troops from the Gordon Highlanders and the Queen’s Own Highlanders met in the middle to mark the regiments’ amalgamation.
Wednesday also saw marches take place in Forres and Nairn, with the Buckie parade followed that afternoon by one in Huntly.
Linzee Gordon Park was to provide the start point for the Buckie parade as it cut a magnificent sight heading down High Street toward Cluny Square, where the troops were met with applause from members of the public who had gathered to watch.
The salute was taken at the war memorial by the Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Brigadier Hughie Munro.
The parade makes its way through Cluny Square while Brigadier Munro takes the salute:
The march then proceeded along West Church Street before coming to an end at North Pringle Street.
Members of the public turned out along the route to support the parade, which marched to the stirring sound of the pipes and drums.
Major Freddie MacNair, who organised the event, said: “It's been 30 years since the Highlanders formed on September 17, 1994.
“We wanted to honour them by recreating the event that happened all those years ago and to mark such a monumental shift in our history as a battalion.
“It’s been a pleasure to host our veterans, some of whom were at the first event.”
Highlander Cameron Munn said: “It was an honour to be the standard bearer for the 4 SCOTS Veterans’ Association.
“This is the first time I’ve ever done something like this, and I think it's important we don’t forget about those who served before us.”
The historic parade was also hailed by local councillors Sonya Warren and Neil McLennan.
Councillor Warren said: “It's great to see the community supporting and getting behind such an important event given the legacy history of the Gordon Highlanders in Buckie.
“It's good to see the Buckie car show opening the pavilion at the start for the comfort of those on parade.”
The march was an especially personal moment for Councillor McLennan, who has family connections to some of the merged regiments.
He continued: "What a great moment it will be for Buckie residents to see Royal Regiment of Scotland 'Highlanders' march through the town amongst a busy schedule of Moray and Highland town visits.
“Buckie town, our region and our country has a long history of connection, support and service with the British Army and that continues today.
“Whilst this is largely Gordon Highlander area, my family have proud links with the Seaforth Highlanders- the antecedents of the Queen's Own Highlanders who merged with the Gordon Highlanders 30 years ago to form the 'Highlanders' of today. I am meeting with Highlanders and continue to offer them support and respect for what they do.
“The world we live in becomes more challenging daily. As such, we need to support our Armed Forces and their families, to ensure they are fully equipped to protect the nation and to deploy to support where others in the world need assistance and assurance.
“Highlanders’ Day gives a chance to remember, reflect and respect."
The Royal Regiment of Scotland, of which 4th Battalion is a proud part, was formed on March 28, 2006, initially comprising six regular and two Army reserve battalions. Today the Regiment is made up of three regular battalions, one regular incremental company and two Army reserve battalions.
