Employers enjoy Royal Gun Salute

25.04.2022
Gun Firing.

Her Majesty The Queen’s 96th birthday was celebrated in style with a 21-gun Salute at a sunny Stirling Castle on 21 April.

The event was hosted by Highland RFCA, with principal guest Mr Alan Simpson OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk, the Reviewing Officer. 

General Officer Scotland (GOS), Major General Bill Wright CBE, was the senior military host. Prior to the Salute he presented a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award to NHS Forth Valley.

Larkhill, Salisbury-based 34 (Seringapatam) Battery, 14 Regiment Royal Artillery, march down to the French Spur to fire the Royal Gun Salute.

The Salute was fired at midday, with the pre-Salute reception and subsequent buffet lunch taking place in the newly-refurbished Regimental Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. 

During the pre-Salute, reception guests were welcomed by Brigadier Mark Dodson, Chief Executive of Highland RFCA, then briefed on the historical significance of gun salutes by Major Lee Patchell of 105 Regiment Royal Artillery.

Guests – escorted by Piper Christie – were then directed down to the French Spur area of the castle to take their seats. A further musical interlude followed with a performance by the band of the 6th and 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Army band.
The combined band of 6 and 7 SCOTS of The Royal Regiment of Scotland provided music.

At 1200 the Salute was fired by 34 (Seringapatam) Battery of Larkhill, Salisbury-based 14 Regiment Royal Artillery. Following the perfectly executed Salute, the Reviewing Officer was invited to inspect the Saluting Troop by the detachment commander.

The event was rounded off with three cheers for Her Majesty and a light lunch back at the museum with excellent food provided by Perth-based Hazelnuts Catering.

Three guns fired at Stirling Castle.
Firing the Royal Gun Salute.

Guests came from a broad range of local organisations, including: Amazon, NHS Forth Valley, Falkirk Council, Progressive Pathways Ltd, Stirling Distillery, Clackmannanshire Council, Trossachs Search and Rescue Team, and G.H.Q. Spirits.

Thanks go from Highland RFCA to all our military hosts from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force for supporting this event.

Guest at the Royal Gun Salute.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk Alan Simpson and Major General Bill Wright (General Officer Scotland) with guests and hosts at the Royal Gun Salute at Stirling Castle.
Soldiers pose in front of artillery.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk Alan Simpson and Major General Bill Wright (General Officer Scotland) with 34 (Seringapatam) Battery, 14 Regiment Royal Artillery.


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