ɬ Council has granted the Royal Regiment of Scotland the Freedom of ɬ in recognition of their service to their country and to the local area.
The resolution to award the regiment with this honour was passed at a special meeting of ɬ Council today (Saturday 20 September) at the Council’s headquarters at Kilmory Castle, Lochgilphead.
Following the formal proceedings, over 100 soldiers then marched through Lochgilphead town centre, with bayonets fixed and colours flying, before gathering on the Front Green, where members of the local community turned out to witness the presentation of the Freedom scroll to Major-General Robin Lindsay CBE, the Regimental Colonel. This was an amazing spectacle, and the Regiment’s famous Shetland pony mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV, was also in attendance for the historic occasion.
The Provost of ɬ, Councillor Douglas Philand, said:
“The Council is proud to bestow the Freedom of ɬ upon The Royal Regiment of Scotland, in recognition of their distinguished service to our country and their valued contributions to our communities. This honour reflects the deep and long-standing connection between the Regiment and the local area, forged through centuries of shared history and service.
“Today’s ceremony is a moment of great significance—not only for the Regiment, but for the people of ɬ. It is a celebration of tradition, courage, and local pride. It continues a legacy that began with the Argyllshire Highlanders and lives on today in The Royal Regiment of Scotland. We are honoured to play a part in recognising their service and reaffirming the strong bond between the Regiment and this remarkable region.”
The Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor William Sinclair, who handed over the Freedom Scroll on behalf of the Council, added:
“Today marks an extremely special and historic event that enables us to pay tribute to the armed forces personnel who serve our country and thank them for their distinguished service, while celebrating the deep historic ties that bind our communities to the Regiment.
“The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were awarded the Freedom of ɬ in 1979, recognising the regiment’s long-standing relationship with the area. It is therefore a great honour to be part of today’s ceremony and bestow this proud tradition upon The Royal Regiment of Scotland. I think everyone will agree that watching the marching of the colours through Lochgilphead was a powerful and moving experience.”
