PICTURES: Military parade through Nairn celebrates 30 years of The Highlanders
Soldiers marched through the streets of Nairn on Wednesday to mark an important anniversary.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland's 4th Battalion visited Nairn during its tour of the North of Scotland to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the formation of The Highlanders.
The parade was made up of almost 100 soldiers - including pipers and drummers, 30 veterans, and The Regiment’s equine mascot, Cruachan IV.
Nairn Legion president, Lt Col (Retd) Bob Towns MBE, said: “It was good to see our local Infantry Regiment, 4 SCOTS in Nairn today, the glorious weather and the large turnout of spectators along the route gladdened this old soldier's heart.
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“I found it very fitting also, that one of the Company Sergeant Majors took time after the parade to explain the significance of the award-winning Nairn and District War Memorial and to give some background on a few of the names listed on the memorial to those who had taken part in the march. “
The tour celebrates The Royal Regiment of Scotland’s history as the ‘Highlanders’ - and locals were out in force to support.
This was an opportunity for previous serving members of the battalion to take part in the celebrations and reconnect with 4 SCOTS, as they have been known since the amalgamation of The Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006.
Lord Lieutenant for Nairnshire, George Asher, added: 4 Scots were made up of several Highland regiments. The Cameron, Seaforth and Gordon Highlanders were the main army regiments from this area and many of the people on the War Memorials from around here would have been part of these regiments. Therefore it was very fitting that they remember their fallen and visit the areas from where they came.
Major Freddie MacNair, who organised the event said: “It's been 30 years since the Highlanders formed in 17th of September 1994. We wanted to honour them by recreating the event that happened all those years ago and to mark such a monumental shift in our history as a battalion. It’s been a pleasure to host our veterans, some of whom were at the first event.”
Highlander Cameron Munn said: “It was an honour to be the flag bearer for the 4 SCOTS Veterans Association. This is the first time I’ve ever done something like this, and I think it's important we don’t forget those who served before us.”
