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Royal Regiment of Scotland to receive freedom of Inverclyde

PA Media Members of the Royal Regiment of Scotland during a military procession. They are wearing kilts while marching with gunsPA Media
Members of the Royal Regiment of Scotland during a military procession.

The Royal Regiment of Scotland is to become the first recipient of the freedom of Inverclyde at a special ceremony in Greenock next year.

Councillors unanimously approved the decision to bestow the honorary title on the senior and only Scottish line infantry regiment of the British Army.

In addition to the ceremony, there will also be a parade through Greenock town centre, followed by a reception at the town hall featuring performances by military bands and local performers.

The local authority said it had already set aside £25,000 in the 2025/26 budget for the event.

The soldiers have served in many conflicts and peacekeeping missions worldwide, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans.

Cllr Graeme Brooks, who is the council's armed forces champion, put forward the motion, which was seconded by provost Drew McKenzie.

Cllr Brooks said: "The brave men and women of the Royal Regiment of Scotland serve us at home and overseas to protect the freedoms we hold dear so it's only right that we show our appreciation by granting them the freedom of Inverclyde.

"It's also important that we remember and acknowledge the service of soldiers past and present, as well as their families, and this honour is as much for them as it is for current personnel."

Provost McKenzie added that there was a "strong and proud connection" between Inverclyde and the armed forces, in particular the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders that merged with other regiments to form the Royal Regiment in 2006.

He said: "Their motto is 'be the standard for others to follow' which I think is very apt as they lead the way in becoming the first recipients of the Freedom of Inverclyde."

PA Media Members of the Royal Regiment of Scotland during a military procession for the 80th anniversary of VE Day - they are dressed in full regalia and playing the bagpipes as they marchPA Media
The Royal Regiment will be honoured at a special ceremony next year

The regiment has previously been honoured by councils including Stirling and Dumfries.

The creation of the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006 caused controversy at the time, as it meant names of famous regiments - such as the Royal Scots and the Kings Own Scottish Borderers - were dispensed with.

Others such as the Black Watch and the Royal Highland Fusiliers reformed as one of the battalions in the new regiment.