Sun shines on the SCOTS Regiment
With the sun shining and the community turning up in its droves, Peterhead truly was the perfect location to bestow the Freedom of Aberdeenshire on the Royal Regiment of Scotland on Saturday.
The 170-strong Regiment paraded through the streets of the town to the magnificent sound of the pipes and drums and supported by their regimental mascot - a Shetland pony called Cruachan IV – who stole the show!
As it paused outside Buchan House for Major General Robin Lindsay to formally receive the Freedom, Provost of Aberdeenshire Judy Whyte said Aberdeenshire was one of a growing list of council areas to offer this ceremonial honour, but in Aberdeenshire it has special meaning.
She said: “For many of us, this weekend puts us in mind of family – of our heritage – brings back memories of those no longer with us – and allows us to be grateful for those who will take their legacy forward.
“If the events this weekend support some of our young people to pursue their dreams of supporting our armed forces, then I think it will have been a success.
"And for everyone, I feel sure this weekend will live long in our memories. Not least as perhaps as the first and only time we have seen a Shetland pony parade through the streets of Peterhead!
“To the wider regiment - I am hopeful you find yourselves very welcome in our towns and communities now and in the years to come.”
The town’s Drummers Corner was packed with families enjoying a carnival atmosphere with a range of military organisations setting up stalls including the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, Air, Sea and Army Cadets and Veterans organisations.
There were even super heroes standing proudly alongside our real regimental heroes as they posed with local children outside the local Buchan Giving Tree charity which served refreshments throughout the day.
The following day the Regiment paraded in Alford and Laurencekirk to exercise their new Freedom with strong crowds again turning up to applaud and warmly welcome to the region.
Such an event does not happen overnight and this weekend has been a year in the planning. Everyone involved in the preparations deserves our heartfelt thanks for all their efforts in staging such a wonderful and memorable event.
And a special thanks to all our marvellous marshals on the day from an array of council teams and services who – as always – performed their tasks admirably under the scorching Blue Toon sunshine.
And finally, but by no means least, thank you to our event sponsor Matrix Inspection Services and to all those companies who kindly supported the events this weekend.
