The Royal Burgh of Linlithgow celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Deacons Court’s stewardship of the Riding of the Marches with The Royal Regiment of Scotland proudly taking the lead.
Regimental Mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Cruachan IV with his handler Corporal Rory Stewart.
Balaclava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland on the Riding of the Marches in Linlithgow.
Balaclava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland on the Riding of the Marches in Linlithgow.
Balaclava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland on the Riding of the Marches in Linlithgow.
The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland at the Riding of the Marches.
Pipes and Drum of 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland lead the way in the Riding of the Marches in Linlithgow.
Balaclava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland on the Riding of the Marches in Linlithgow.
The Riding of the Marches of the Ancient and Royal Burgh of Linlithgow is a tradition dating back to the 16th century with the Deacon’s Court taking stewardship in 1975.
The British Army, through The Royal Scots (an antecedent Regiment to the Royal Regiment of Scotland), has retained close links with the community of Linlithgow, Blackness and throughout West Lothian over many hundreds of years.
The Freedom of West Lothian was granted to the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2011 and was last exercised in 2019 and today, in a historic event sponsored by the Provost, Bailies and members of Deacon’s Court and supported by the Town Council, the Lord Lieutenant of West Lothian and The Lord Lyon King of Arms, they were invited and honoured to exercise their freedom.
Honorary guest, Major General Bob Bruce CBE DSO His Majesty’s Governor of Edinburgh Castle said:
“Lord Provost, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure and a privilege for me to join you today and I am very grateful for the opportunity to say a few words.”
“It is six years since I last had the privilege of attending the Marches, but it is a day that I still remember very well. On that day, like today, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland played and a contingent from the Regiment marched, with bayonets fixed and flags flying.”
“I’ve had the privilege to attend many Ridings of the Marches in different places across the country over many years, but I can say with absolute conviction that nowhere have I ever experienced quite the sense of community spirit as I have done at the Linlithgow Marches.”
“As a guest, it is obvious that we are witnessing an ancient ceremony embraced with as much enthusiasm and pride today as it has been for centuries. It leaves a very powerful impression.”
The Pipes, Drums and Bugles of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland also provided musical support with the beloved Shetland pony mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV, stealing some of the limelight.
