A soldier from Cumnock has taken a starring role in the British Army’s key showcase event of the year.
Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry soldiers demonstrate an attack scenario at Expo 25, hosted at Redford Cavalry Barracks.
Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry soldiers demonstrate an attack scenario at Expo 25, hosted at Redford Cavalry Barracks.
Corporal John Mathews, 6th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland at the Army Expo 2025
Corporal John Mathews, 28, presented his personal journey to hundreds of visitors to Army Expo, which has taken place in Edinburgh for the first time.
The Reservist, currently serving with 6th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, but who has also served with the Scots Guards, spoke about his experiences travelling the world and learning new skills.
“We’re a modern fighting force and my story is just one of many that people can tap into. Without my military experience I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
“This event shows how the Army is moulded and shaped by people from all backgrounds and with different skill sets and abilities,” said John.
“I joined the Army in 2013 and remember going to the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.
“I think I weighed just over 10st and was completely new to the lifestyle and challenges of the British Army and felt I was thrown into the deep end.
“But it springboarded me onto achieve some amazing things, like completing P Company with the Scots Guards and travelling the world.
“We’re a modern fighting force and my story is just one of many that people can tap into. Without my military experience I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
British Army Expo is taking place at Redford Barracks, home to 51st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland, and is an immersive display of war fighting capability which showcases the Army’s most formidable weapons systems, armoured fighting vehicles and attack helicopters.
John said: “My story highlights how people are central to how the Army functions and enables it to win wars on land.
“I was happy to talk about my experiences because the military has given me so much, in both the Regular service and also Reserves.
“I am used to telling people my story given the fact I’m a personal trainer at a gym in my day job and used to talking to a large range of people from different backgrounds.
John has completed operational tours to Cyprus, the Falkland Islands, France, Turkey and the US.
“I joined because I was looking for a challenge, something different, but I also had a grandfather who served in World War Two and I was a bit of a history enthusiast, so I suppose that formed the backbone of my motivation to serve.
“I’ve gained leadership skills, taking part in Trooping the Colour, twice, and met so many inspirational people.
“The Army supports you in whatever sports you want to take part in, as well as education and welfare.
“If you show serious commitment to something the Army can give you the launchpad to achieve what you want.”
Among the highlights at Army Expo was Ajax, designed to be at the heart of the British Army’s future armoured fleet; the Apache 64E, the world’s most formidable attack helicopter; Challenger 2, the Army’s main battle tank which has never experienced a loss at the hands of the enemy; and Jackal 2, a unique platform using an air-bag suspension system, allowing for rapid movement across varying terrain.
Also on show was Boxer, a combat vehicle set to become the new British Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV). It’s unique module design consists of a drive module and a mission module, and it can be rapidly adapted to suit various military missions.
John said: “It’s been fantastic to be part of such a great event with all the cutting-edge equipment right here in front of visitors who can learn about the Army’s modernisation, with people at the heart of everything being discussed.”
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