Royal Regiment of Scotland marks 20 years of service and sacrifice

Events are being held to mark the 20th anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, with one senior officer saying it is an opportunity to recognise "everyone who has served with us".

The regiment, which draws its members from communities across the country and beyond, was formed on 28 March 2006 from six of Scotland's historic infantry regiments.

The move was part of a wider restructuring of the British military implemented by the then Labour government.

Since its formation, it has been one of the most active regiments in the British Army, with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia, alongside more recent Nato commitments in Europe and the Middle East.

Its troops continue to play a leading role in major international exercises and hold high-readiness commitments, including in Cyprus, where they stand ready to deploy within hours across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

As well as overseas postings, the regiment has also played an important role at home, with troops supporting communities during flooding, wildfires and the Covid-19 pandemic.

To mark two decades since its formation, soldiers from the regiment formed the number 20 with torches at Glencorse Barracks near Edinburgh, in what was described as a "powerful symbol of unity, service and pride".

Last year the regiment opened its barracks to TV cameras for the first time for The Troops, a limited docuseries for BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer.

Other events are planned for the weekend across service communities, including a public parade, "muster march" and an act of remembrance in Edinburgh, which will bring together serving personnel, veterans and families from across Scotland.

Further events are due to take place throughout the year, and a new commemorative sculpture in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh is set to be unveiled on 1 July.

The design will feature a bronze reclining lion guarding the SCOTS cap badge, symbolising the regiment's enduring connection to Edinburgh and creating a place for reflection for future generations.

Lieutenant Colonel Ollie Bridle, who commands the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS), said: "We're proud to be marking 20 years of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

"Over that time, the regiment has brought together generations of soldiers, united by a shared identity, heritage and sense of service, all under one cap badge."

The decision to amalgamate six historic regiments was considered controversial at the time, and the government faced calls to reverse the move.

This included the campaign group Save the Scottish Regiments holding marches and rallies to voice its opposition, warning of a loss of tradition and local identity.

However, many of the traditions of the old formations were retained when the Royal Regiment of Scotland was formed, with its predecessor regiments becoming battalions in the new regiment.

Three of the battalions also maintain the pipes and drums of their former regiments.

Lt Col Bridle said: "We were founded on the legacy of historic Scottish infantry regiments, representing over 390 years of continuous service.

"Today, we stand as one regiment with a clear identity and purpose.

"SCOTS soldiers are tough. They're strong. They've got that sense of humour that you need on the hardest days.

"They face problems head-on and when it's done, they move forward and don't look back."

On the significance of the milestone, he added: "This anniversary is about recognising everyone who has served with us, our veterans, our fallen, and those serving today, whether at home or overseas.

"It's also about looking ahead to the next generation and the important role that SCOTS soldiers will continue to play in the years to come."

Last October US talk show host Jimmy Fallon was unexpectedly invited to a black-tie dinner with soldiers from the regiment while on a trip to Aberdeenshire.

The comedian was welcomed to the Victoria Barracks in Ballater by officers from the 5Scots regiment who served him Scotch eggs and Buckfast.

Fallon later said his hosts were "psyched" he wore a kilt and he "had the best dinner ever".