King Charles marks Royal Regiment of Scotland anniversary

King Charles has unveiled a statue marking the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The statue was unveiled in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh. It is a bronze reclining lion guarding the regiment’s cap badge. It was designed by a local artist, Kenny Hunter. The statue was cast in six separate sections, which represent the unity of Scotland’s six historic infantry regiments combined into the SCOTS in 2006.

Ahead of the unveiling, the SCOTS exercised the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh in full ceremonial dress, past the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the City Chambers, where the Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge, took the salute.

He later said, “What a memorable day for the capital as we celebrate this important milestone for the SCOTS. The parade was a spectacular sight as the regiment exercised its Freedom of the City, marching through the heart of the city with drums beating, bayonets fixed and colours flying.

“It was a great honour to welcome His Majesty The King to unveil the new statue, which stands as a fitting tribute to those who have and continue to serve with the Royal Regiment of Scotland.”