Latest news with #TheRoyalRegimentofScotland
STV News
28-05-2025
- General
- STV News
Scots teen deployed to Russian border to help train Estonian soldiers
A soldier from Glasgow was deployed on a major military exercise in Estonia close to the Russian border. Fusilier David Whyte, of the 2nd Battalion in The Royal Regiment of Scotland, joined thousands of other British Army troops also taking part in Exercise Hedgehog. The exercise, which involved 17,000 troops from 12 nations, marked the 18-year-old's first overseas deployment. David, who was born in Glasgow, spoke on his first deployment saying: 'It was something completely different getting on a military flight to get here. Army Communications Branch Fusilier David Whyte of the 2nd Battalion in The Royal Regiment of Scotland. Army Communications Branch 'Sitting on a massive RAF plane was a bit different to getting on a Jet2 plane to go on holiday.' The exercise, which ran from May 9 to 24, aimed to test the ability of the Estonian armed forces in their response to potential attacks from Russia. It was also organised to to practice the rapid and large-scale deployment of allied forces to Estonia. David joined the army at 16 training to be a soldier the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, England. Army Communications Branch The exercise saw 17,000 troops from 12 nations deployed to Estonia. Army Communications Branch 'I joined the Army because it was something different, not sitting in an office. While at Harrogate, I enjoyed going on a battlefield tour to France.' He added: 'My proudest moments so far have been passing out at Harrogate and getting through the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick.' David's brother, who joined the Army two weeks after him, was also deployed to Estonia with a different company. David's regiment, 2 SCOTS, formed a Battlegroup in the Nursipalu training area in south-east Estonia where they have conducted urban and woodland combat training. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Rutherglen soldier reveals unique Edinburgh castle cermeony
Private Aaron Cameron of 5 SCOTS, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was part of the historic installation of the new Governor of Edinburgh Castle. His unique role saw him stationed above the castle's drawbridge to verify the identity of Lord Lyon, the Governor's representative. Read more: Thousands of children seeking advice on dealing with anger issues Private Cameron and Second Lieutenant Henry Sutton were just two of the soldiers on duty at the ceremony on Wednesday evening. Within one day, they had swapped their ceremonial uniform for combat gear and prepared for deployment to Lithuania for Exercise Iron Wolf. Private Cameron said: "I've never seen the view from that part of the castle before. "It was something different and interesting – I've not done anything like it." Once the ceremony concluded at 7.30pm, the soldiers returned to barracks to initiate the rapid shift from kilts to combat. Private Cameron said: "Even though we do both of them, they are very different experiences and require a very different mindset. "But you kind of just get back into the swing of it." Second Lieutenant Sutton said: "We finished the parade at 19.30 - then returned to barracks and began the switch straight away. "The kit you don't need for ceremonial duties is already packed. "Weapons go straight to the armoury for checking before being boxed up to go to Lithuania, and the No. "1s come off and go back on the racks." Exercise Iron Wolf is set to see 5 SCOTS working alongside a Lithuanian Battle Group in a validation training exercise organised to strengthen NATO cooperation and battlefield readiness. Second Lieutenant Henry Sutton, who has served in the battalion for over two years, said that what might seem like a dramatic shift to outsiders is just a standard part of the job for soldiers in The Royal Regiment of Scotland. He said: "The ceremony is physically and mentally demanding, but it also builds the discipline we use on operations. "If you can look after your kit in barracks, you can look after it in the field. "If you can follow orders on the parade square, you can follow them on deployment. "These are professional soldiers. "They do both – and they do both very well. "That's why we can turn around in 24 hours, sometimes less and be ready for either.' As it stands, even with the 5 SCOTS in Lithuania, their ceremonial uniforms are prepped and ready should the call come again. Read more: Urgent warning to Scottish residents as energy meter switch-off looms Second Lieutenant Sutton added: 'The No.1s are back on racks, prepped and hanging. 'Should we need to rush back from Lithuania for some sort of event – we'd be ready. "That's just how it is.'
Glasgow Times
03-05-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Long-lost First World War memorial plaque returned to Glasgow
The plaque, which commemorates 78 fallen soldiers, was recently discovered in a museum storeroom after a member of the public was researching an ancestor lost in the war. Many of the soldiers on the plaque served with the antecedent regiments of The Royal Regiment of Scotland. Read more: New 'invaluable' service for people with secondary breast cancer A re-dedication ceremony at Maryhill Burgh Hall was held to commemorate the plaque's return, with members of the Royal Regiment of Scotland's 6th Battalion (6 SCOTS) in attendance, alongside a bugler from the 6 SCOTS Lowland Band and a piper. The event, which was open to the public, saw both serving military personnel and veterans lay wreaths and honour the memory of the fallen soldiers. It strived to serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by locals during the Great War, as well as a testament to the power of community ties. Read more: Grado cracks out McCoist impression at 'shuperb' Glasgow Airport bus launch Captain William Jason Craig, of 6 SCOTS, said: "It was a privilege for 6 SCOTS to be present and take part in the re-dedication of this important memorial. "The men named on the plaque gave their lives in service of their country. "It is only right that their memory continues to be honoured by the communities they came from.'
STV News
30-04-2025
- General
- STV News
World War I memorial returned to community after being found in storeroom
A long-lost memorial plaque commemorating men from Maryhill who died during the First World War has been reunited with the community. The plaque records the name of 78 fallen soldiers, many of whom served with the antecedent regiments of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. It was thought to be long lost, but was recently discovered in the storeroom of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow after a member of the public was researching an ancestor lost in the war. The bronze plaque will now go on permanent display at Maryhill Burgh Halls following an unveiling ceremony on April 25, which was attended by members of The Royal Regiment of Scotland's 6th Battalion, alongside a bugler from 6 SCOTS Lowland Band and a piper. The event, which was open to the public, saw both serving military personnel and veterans lay wreaths and honour the memory of the fallen who were local to the area. Captain William Jason Craig said: 'It was a privilege for 6 SCOTS to be present and take part in the re-dedication of this important memorial. 'The men named on the plaque gave their lives in service of their country, and it is only right that their memory continues to be honoured by the communities they came from.' Chair of the trustees of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum Niall Campbell said: 'It is an honour to be able to return the Maryhill Plaque and offers the opportunity for families and friends to see the names of those who gave their lives in WWI from the Maryhill community, which includes men from the Highland Light Infantry and many of our former Scottish regiments.' A spokesperson for Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust said: 'These names represent real lives, local families, and a chapter of our history that we must never forget. We are proud to offer them the respect and a place of remembrance they deserve right in the heart of Maryhill.'' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
