For those of you who might like to see some of Scotland's 'finest' in their regalia here are a few pictures of the recent granting of the Freedom of The Western Isles to the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The ceremony took place in the open air in Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis on the 14 September. Fortunately it wasn't raining (for a change).
After the Guards Regiments the Royal Regiment of Scotland takes precedence as the first infantry regiment in the UK army.
Britain may not be the country it was at the height of its pomp and glory but it certainly knows how to put on a fancy dress show.
Ah, the skirl of the pipes and the swirl of the kilts - a fine sight and sound.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Janice.
DeleteVery impressive but where was this held? The buildings in the background look nice.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, it was held in Stornoway, the principal (actually the only) town in the Outer Hebrides or Western Isles of Scotland. I should have added that. Indeed I will go and do so. Thank you.
Deletehow wonderful to see it, and hear it, in your home town. :)
DeleteThank you, Fiona. I'm glad you liked it. I wish that I recorded it so that you, too, could have heard it.
DeleteFancy regalia! It looks like it would be quite warm to march in such heavy clothes but it does make for a great show!
ReplyDeleteEllen it is incredibly heavy and hot but, fortunately, in Stornoway hot weather is a very rare occurrence.
DeleteSo you were in Stornoway yourself to watch this? I googled to learn that the ceremony was held there; what I did not quite manage to grasp is what (if anything) "the Freedom of the Western Isles" entails, except being a great honour??
ReplyDeleteMonica, these days the freedom of a city (or area) does not convey with it any legal rights or responsibilities, other than a ceremonial role at civic functions. The award dates back to the Middle Ages when freemen had commercial privileges and a route into a position of power in a town or city.
DeleteThat would have one show I definitely would not have wanted to miss! I love watching this sort of thing :)
ReplyDeleteMargaret, it was by chance that I was in town that morning. I'm glad I was. If I'd thought about blogging it beforehand I'd have tried to get more advantageous positions and more closeups.
DeleteGreat parade.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Red.
DeleteAre my eyes deceiving me? Those men appear to be wearing skirts! Ah well, it takes all sorts.
ReplyDeleteYP, on the battlefield with your trousers down you're an easy target. Then who's got the smile on their faces?
DeleteCan always rely on the Brits to put on a good fancy dress show. You got some great shots.
ReplyDeleteThanks. If I'd thought I was going to blog it I'd have tried for some better closeups and backgrounds.
DeleteThe Scots really do have the best regimental uniforms. I imagine they also have the best laundry facilities too.
ReplyDeleteCro, you've certainly got a good point although I'd hate to have to wash a Guards uniform.
DeleteI always love a parade. Their dress is amazing.
ReplyDeleteDiane, I'm with you and it's something the armed forces excell at!
DeleteThere are some things the British do better than most and surely parades of this nature are one of them, with the evocative sound of the bagpipes drawing in people from near and far. Even as a dedicated nature lover not especially enamoured of crowds, I would have jostled for my place along the route and cheered wildly as men in skirts swirled by me!
ReplyDeleteThat's good to hear, David. I confess that I enjoyed it too. I should really have given it more attention and done a short video.
DeleteI would have loved to see and hear this!
ReplyDeleteDo you know why one of the men is leading a black pony?
Meike, as I've just said to David I should have made a short video. The pony is the regimental mascot. His splendid name is Cruachan IV. He was given to the regiment in 2012 and is known for being cheeky.
DeleteI came to ask the same question as Meike.
ReplyDeleteWell, Debby, I'd give you the same answer. Apologies for misspelling your name in the deleted answer. I have three friends called Debbie and I'm very easily confused.
DeleteScottish regiments held recruitment drives in the North in England in WW1. My great-uncle joined the Seaforth Highlanders. Sadly, name is in the books at Edinburgh Castle.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that, Tasker. Your.great-uncle and so so many more. And we never learn.
DeleteWonderful. I would love to have heard it. X
ReplyDeleteJules, I've just done another post with the URLs for the video.
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