Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (BKA Coy, 5 SCOTS) has proudly returned to London for the second time in six months, but this time in full kilt attire.
Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, proudly returns to London for the second time in six months.
Corporal Cruachan IV, the regimental mascot.
Members of Balaklava Company, ready to take up their role as the King's Guard at Buckingham Palace.
Major Blair, Officer Commanding Balaklava Company, waiting to step off to commence their duties at Buckingham Palace.
Captain Parker and Lieutenant Thomas patrol as they wait for the inspection phase to start in Wellington Barracks.
On Monday (20 April), BKA Coy stepped off from Wellington Barracks ‘swishing their kilts’ and accompanied by their beloved Shetland pony mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV, as they took up First Mount at Buckingham Palace.
No strangers to ceremonial duties, they will once again showcase the regiment’s unique heritage, discipline and professionalism as the King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, and the Tower of London.
“The inspection was to evaluate drill precision, uniform standards, and overall readiness to perform the duties of The King’s Guard. As you would expect, we set exceptionally high standards, and Balaklava Company demonstrated they were more than up to the job."
The powerful and melodic drone of the pipes will also grace London over the coming weeks, as the Pipes and Drums of the 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS), make their presence known. They will support guard mount at the historic locations over the next two weeks.
To ensure they were fit for role, The Household Division’s Brigade Major, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Foinette, and Garrison Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class One Andrew Stokes travelled from London to inspect them on 15 April at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh.
“It’s a great honour for us to resume our role as the King’s Guard in London and we take immense pride in representing our regiment and Scotland in the nation’s capital."
The troops were put through their paces as they paraded in full ceremonial uniform.
Lieutenant Colonel Foinette explained what he was looking for to pass Balaklava Company as fit for role:
“The inspection was to evaluate drill precision, uniform standards, and overall readiness to perform the duties of The King’s Guard. As you would expect, we set exceptionally high standards, and Balaklava Company demonstrated they were more than up to the job."
"Balancing the very different demands of public and operational duties has become second nature to us and we are looking forward to swapping our combats for our kilts again as we return to London.”
When asked how it felt to be taking up the prestigious role in London again, Officer Commanding BKA Coy, 5 SCOTS, Major Tommy Blair, said:
“It’s a great honour for us to resume our role as the King’s Guard in London, and we take immense pride in representing our regiment and Scotland in the nation’s capital. Balancing the very different demands of public and operational duties has become second nature to us, and we are looking forward to swapping our combats for our kilts again as we return to London.”
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