Today, Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) had the honour of providing the Guard of Honour to officially welcome His Majesty The King to Balmoral.
His Majesty The King inspects the Balmoral Guard formed from soldiers of 5 SCOTS.
Company Sergeant Major Marr (5 SCOTS) gets the soldiers ready for inspection.
Balaklava Company along with Pipes and Drums of 3 and 4 SCOTS at the gates of Balmoral today.
His Majesty The King chats to Pipe Major Roberts (4 SCOTS).
The Balmoral Guard (5 SCOTS) retreat back into Balmoral castle.
Balaklava Company, although an independent rifle company, is renowned for its ceremonial presence in Scotland, with Royal Guard in Balmoral being one of its most privileged positions.
Officer Commanding Balaklava Company, Major Tommy Blair MBE, who only took over command last month said:
“Balaklava Company has the unique privilege of supporting His Majesty The King and The Royal Household during their Summer Court in Scotland.
“It’s a huge honour to command this parade today marking His Majesty’s arrival at Balmoral, and we’re looking forward to spending the coming months in Royal Deeside.”
Balaklava Company has the unique privilege of supporting His Majesty The King and The Royal Household during their Summer Court in Scotland.
Corporal Cruachan IV, a Shetland pony and beloved regimental mascot, stood proudly with handler Corporal Rory Stewart as The King inspected his Royal Guard.
The Pipes and Drums, formed by soldiers from across the regiment, which uniquely included the Pipe and Drum Majors from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Battalions, were led by Drum Major, Colour Sergeant Peter Muir and Pipe Major, Colour Sergeant Joe Davies.
Both are also performing in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year which marks its 75th anniversary.
Pipe Major Davies, 2 SCOTS said:
“It is an honour to be taking part in this year’s arrival parade at Balmoral. For the first time since the regiment’s formation in 2006, members of 2, 3 and 4 SCOTS pipe bands are on parade for this high profile ceremonial event.
“As we are all taking part in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year, we thought it would be a good opportunity to combine to showcase the regiment’s strong piping and drumming traditions, performing a colourful and musical spectacle for His Majesty and the public.”
It is always an honour to welcome His Majesty The King to Scotland, as our head of state we take great pride in welcoming him to Balmoral.
Drum Major Muir, 3 SCOTS said:
“It is always an honour to welcome His Majesty The King to Scotland, as our head of state we take great pride in welcoming him to Balmoral.”
“It is fantastic to have representatives from all the regiment’s battalions on parade together. This just emphasises the ‘togetherness’ ethos that exists within the Scottish battalions and regiment.”
The King is the Colonel in Chief of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, which adds to the honour of Balaklava Company upholding the long-standing highland tradition of providing the Royal Guard in Balmoral.
Balaklava Company will remain on Royal Guard in Balmoral for the duration of summer.
