Members of the public are being encouraged to show their support for The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) as they receive the Freedom of North Lanarkshire on Saturday 13 July.
The Regiment, led by Cpl Cruachan IV, their Shetland Pony mascot, will march through Motherwell with bayonets fixed, colours flying, and pipes and drums beating. This parade is in recognition of their outstanding service to their country and the local area.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to line the route and show their appreciation for the Regiment. The parade will commence at Dalziel High School at 12pm, proceeding down Hamilton Road and concluding at Strathclyde Park Watersports Centre. Following the conclusion of the parade, a formal civic recognition ceremony will be hosted by Kenneth Duffy, Provost of North Lanarkshire and Lady Susan Haughey, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire.
The parade will feature soldiers from The 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS), accompanied by the 2 SCOTS Pipes and Drums, The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and the Regimental Mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV. This parade marks a "homecoming" for 2 SCOTS, recently returned from operations in the Middle East.
Provost Kenneth Duffy said: "This is a momentous occasion for North Lanarkshire, and a wonderful opportunity for us to express our gratitude and admiration for the brave men and women of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
“Come and be part of this historic event, showing your support for the Regiment and celebrating their invaluable contributions to our community and nation by lining the parade route.”
The historical links between North Lanarkshire and the Regiment can be traced back to 1678 through the Royal Scots Fusiliers. The Royal Scots Fusiliers traditionally recruited from the area of North Lanarkshire and continued to do so upon their amalgamation with the Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) to form the Royal Highland Fusiliers. Upon formation of The Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006 the 2nd Battalion (2 SCOTS) were formed from the Royal Highland Fusiliers, and thus maintain the golden thread to the antecedent regiments, still observing the traditions of Fusiliers and links with the central belt of Scotland to this day.