June 21, 2016
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Stirling Military Show on 18 June was a huge success, with thousands of people of all ages attending Kings Park to show their support for our Armed Forces.
Once again Highland RFCA was at the heart of the action with a VIP tent where close to 100 guests and military personnel were treated to hospitality and given front row seats to all the entertainment.
The guests were drawn from the private and public sector and the VIP experience was aimed at thanking them for their on-going support to Reservists and Cadets in the Highlands of Scotland.
Despite fears over the weather, the sun shone throughout putting smiles on the faces of visitors and military personnel alike.
The show kicked off with a parade of troops, Cadets and veterans from Port Street, which marched through the town to Kings Park. The Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Band of the Royal Marines Scotland provided music.
The parade formed up in the park and was inspected by the Lord Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk, Mrs Marjory McLachlan, Stirling Provost Mike Robbins, the Commander of 51 Brigade, Brigadier Gary Deakin, and the CO of 7Scots, Lieutenant Colonel Piers Strudwick.
Addressing the parade and crowd, Brig Deakin thanked both the bands then, before saying he hoped everyone would have a great show, added: “Thank you to the people of Stirling, thank you to your families, and thank you to everyone who is here today showing us your support. It’s really wonderful.”
An infantry demonstration followed involving soldiers from units including 7Scots, C Squadron of the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry and 225 (Scottish) Medical Regiment. Lieutenant Andy Nicol (7Scots) led the dynamic simulated assault on an insurgent position.
Other show highlights included a Cadet drill competition, which was keenly contested by three ACF units, and one unit each from the ATC and Sea Cadets. The competition was won by the Cadets of The Black Watch Battalion ACF who were awarded the Erskine Quaich by Brig Deakin for their efforts.
More music and dancing courtesy of the Kennedy Cupcakes followed before the Band of the Royal Marines Scotland played an excellent, atmospheric Beating Retreat to draw the proceedings to a close. Provost Robbins and Lt Col Strudwick took the salute.
The show also featured vintage military vehicles, family entertainment in the form of a climbing wall and assault course, representation from numerous Service Charities and an impressive police dog demonstration courtesy of Police Scotland.
The HRFCA VIP tent was very well attended.
The parade steps off from Port Street led by the Band of the Royal Marines Scotland.
Stirling and Falkirk Lord Lieutenant Mrs Marjory McLachlan takes the parade salute alongside Brigadier Gary Deakin, Commander 51 Brigade.
The Black Watch Battalion ACF won the Erskine Quaich for best drill, beating two other ACF units and one each from the Sea Cadets and ATC.
The day was enjoyed by the people of Stirling.
