A demanding inspection to judge whether Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, is ready to take up the job as the next King’s Guards in London, has taken place at Wellington Barracks, within sight of Buckingham Palace.
Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, completed a demanding inspection at Wellington Barracks
The Company are preparing to take on Royal Guard responsibilities at Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Windsor Castle, and the iconic Changing of the Guard.
Having completed a comprehensive training package delivered by Foot Guards instructors, the soldiers were assessed on their ceremonial dress and drill by senior officers of the Household Division.
Scotland's ceremonial experts head south
As the custodians of Scotland’s proud military heritage, Balaklava Company is no stranger to ceremonial duties and regularly represent the nation north of the border with distinction, upholding the highest standards of the British Army.
They are frequently seen on Public Duties at Edinburgh Castle and Balmoral with their Shetland pony Mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV.
"It’s a great pleasure to have the Royal Regiment of Scotland here, they are Scotland’s ceremonial company, we always expect high standards from the Royal Regiment of Scotland of Scotland and it’s great to see them on parade, particularly with the Mascot who is a great favourite."
For the next few weeks, they will add His Majesty King Charles III’s Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace and Windsor Castle, the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, and the Tower Guard to their repertoire.
Cpl Cruachan and the Scots cannot wait to get started.
Each duty has some similarities but is significantly different to what they do in Scotland. It is an impressive testament to their commitment to both ceremonial excellence and operational capability.
Brigade Major of the Household Division, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Foinette said: "It’s a great pleasure to have the Royal Regiment of Scotland here, they are Scotland’s ceremonial company, we always expect high standards from the Royal Regiment of Scotland of Scotland and it’s great to see them on parade, particularly with the Mascot who is a great favourite."
Rigorous training and preparation
The ceremonial experts from the Foot Guards have used a comprehensive training package to teach the Scottish soldiers the complex drill manoeuvres and tasks required for being the King’s Guard in London and Windsor.
“The experience that young soldiers were going to get, learning and delivering some of the unique drill done by the Guards to the highest possible standard.”
Their hard work and attention to detail was placed under the spotlight with a rigorous inspection of ceremonial uniform and drill sequences carried out by the Household Division’s senior officers at Wellington Barracks on 27 November.
Musical support for the Inspection was supplied by the Band of the Grenadier Guards.
Captain Sammy Parker, Second in Command Balaklava Company, 5 Scots spoke of the huge honour it was to be undertaking this duty and for him a personal high point was “the experience that young soldiers were going to get, learning and delivering some of the unique drill done by the Guards to the highest possible standard”.
Excellence under scrutiny
The Company dressed immaculately in kilts and green hackled caps, was scrutinised for excellence of bearing, discipline, accuracy of step and orders. The Household Division judges checked uniforms, drill and the soldiers’ ability to remember dozens of new commands specific to the job, as well as security elements. Nothing was overlooked, and there were no second chances.
Finally, after an immaculate series of demonstrations of drill, they were declared fit for role and can now look forward to commencing their duties as King’s Guards at royal residences in London and Windsor.
“I’m proud of all the hard work and it’s a huge privilege but my takeaway from this is rehearsal, rehearsal rehearsal, there is always room for improvement.”
A relieved and proud Captain Parker explained: “I’m proud of all the hard work and it’s a huge privilege but my takeaway from this is rehearsal, rehearsal rehearsal, there is always room for improvement.”
This is a proud moment for the soldiers and Mascot of Balaklava Company whose unstinting diligence, discipline and training have paid off. The soldiers' first duty was to guard the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London on 28 November. Cpl Cruachan marched out with the Band at Buckingham Palace. When not on duty, he is stabled with the Household Cavalry horses in Knightsbridge.
Their final Guard duty will be on 12 December 2025.
A regiment steeped in history and service
Balaklava Company is the successor to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's), a former line infantry regiment that was amalgamated into the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006. The name "Balaklava" itself is a reference to the Charge of the Light Brigade, which involved the 93rd (Highland) Regiment of Foot, a predecessor of the regiment.
Since its formation the Royal Regiment of Scotland has deployed to almost every theatre of operations the British Army has been involved in; conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, supporting peace operations in Cyprus, West and North Africa and giving support to UK Civil Authorities to deal with flooding, storm damage and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Young Officers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland are trained during a 12-month rigorous training package at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the soldiers (known as Jocks) do their training (6 months) at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick. There are several specialised skills within the infantry; Commander, Gunner, Rifleman, Sniper, Team Medic, Driver, Physical Training Instructor and Musician.
The Duchess of Edinburgh opens Sandhurst facility for Army musicians
