In a historic and traditional ceremony at Edinburgh Castle, Major General Bob Bruce CBE DSO was installed as His Majesty’s Governor of Edinburgh Castle.
The ceremony marking the Installation of the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, took place on the esplanade.
Major General Bruce is the former Commanding Officer of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The Key Party is formed from students from the Queen Victoria School, Dunblane.
The Governor of Edinburgh Castle inspects members of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, who formed part of the Guard of Honour
5 SCOTS who were part of the Guard of Honour, salute the Governor of Edinburgh Castle as they exit the esplanade
An appointment that can be traced back to the early 12th century, the Governor of Edinburgh Castle serves as the King’s representative in the Castle and represents the important and enduring connection between the Castle and the Army in Scotland.
General Bob Bruce has had a long and distinguished military career retiring from the Regular Army in 2020 in the role as Military Secretary and General Officer Scotland and now officially an Army Reservist.
It is a great honour for me to be installed as Governor of Edinburgh Castle. To occupy this post is to embrace a tremendous legacy and responsibility. The Castle is a symbol of the connection between the Army and our country. To serve as Governor is to serve that story.
Although he took up post in September 2024, the historic ceremony formally affirmed his position as Governor. He said:
“It is a great honour for me to be installed as Governor of Edinburgh Castle. To occupy this post is to embrace a tremendous legacy and responsibility. The Castle is a symbol of the connection between the Army and our country. To serve as Governor is to serve that story.”
The Lord Lyon King of Arms, His Majesty’s Officers of Arms and the State Trumpeters of Scotland formed part of the ceremony with Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion (BKA Coy 5 SCOTS), The Royal Regiment of Scotland and Inkerman Company, 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards, forming the Guard of Honour.
Officer Commanding BKA Coy, 5 SCOTS, Major Neil Cargill, did not on this occasion lead the Scottish soldier element, but took his place as Falkland Pursuivant Extraordinary, one of His Majesty The King’s Officer of Arms.
It is a tremendous privilege to be on parade as an Officer of Arms, in front of Scotland’s most iconic landmark – Edinburgh Castle.
Major Cargill is the first British Army Officer to serve as an Officer of Arms in Lord Lyon’s Court and when asked how it felt to be part of the ceremony he said:
“It is a tremendous privilege to be on parade as an Officer of Arms, in front of Scotland’s most iconic landmark – Edinburgh Castle.
"The honour was made possible due to BKA Coy only being required to turn out a half-company which was ably commanded by my company second in command, a fitting and special duty before he departs BKA Coy.
"The other half-company was provided from the Grenadier Guards, further adding to this wonderful spectacle, rich in pageantry and tradition.”
The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland provided musical support, and the Governor’s Piper was the Senior Pipe Major from Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming, Warrant Officer Class One Colin Simpson.
Honorary guests attended the ceremony from a wide range of organisations in Edinburgh, including members of Scottish Government, Scotland Office officials, senior representatives from the emergency services, and faith leaders.
Pupils from Queen Victoria School acted as escorts to the Governor and the Key Party, with cadets from Angus and Dundee Battalion of the Army Cadet Force raising the Governor’s flag and acting as ushers.
The Governor of Edinburgh Castle is one of His Majesty’s Commissioners at Queen Victoria School near Dunblane. Major General Bruce is a former pupil of the school.
