October 17, 2025
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The Royal Regiment of Scotland has been granted the Freedom of Argyll and Bute.
The honour is in recognition of the Regiment’s service to the area and follows similar ceremonies in Aberdeenshire and the Western Isles in 2024.
Freedom of a Borough/County/City/Town is generally bestowed in recognition of the services of the Regiment, both in peace and war and is the highest honour the local authority can bestow. Argyll and Bute Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2017 and is also a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.
A piper marches through Lochgilphead.
Highland RFCA’s Head of Engagement Michelle McKearnon was in Lochgilphead on 20 September to see more than 100 soldiers march through the town centre, with bayonets fixed and Colours flying, before gathering on the Front Green for the presentation of the Freedom scroll to Major-General Robin Lindsay CBE, the Regimental Colonel. Major-General Lindsay is an Invited Member of Highland RFCA in his capacity as Military Secretary and General Officer Scotland.
The Regiment’s Shetland pony and mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV, was also in attendance at the parade.
Corporal Cruachan IV.
A special meeting of Argyll and Bute Council was also held on Saturday at its headquarters at Kilmory Castle in Lochgilphead to formally award the honour.
The Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor William Sinclair, handed over the Freedom scroll on behalf of the organisation.
Major-General Robin Lindsay and Councillor William Sinclair with the Freedom scroll.
He said: “This event 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 their long-standing relationship with the area. It is therefore a great honour to 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.”
The Royal Regiment of Scotland was formed in 2006 and is the senior and only current Scottish infantry regiment.
Major-General Robin Lindsay delivers a speech.
Members of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The Band Leader.
Troops form up at Lochgilphead Front Green.
The troops were impeccably turned out.
The Regimental Colours being proudly displayed.
