Argyll's Proudly Receive Highest Honour
Published on:
15
May 2006
Provost Derek Stewart proudly conferred the Freedom of Clackmannanshire on the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland on Saturday 13th May 2006.
The historic ceremony was also attended by Major General Andrew Graham CBE, Lord Lieutenant Sheena Cruickshank, Council Chief Executive Keir Bloomer and a range of local dignitaries. They were joined by an enthusiastic crowd of local supporters.
This was the first time the county has bestowed its highest honour and the first time the Battalion has been granted a 'Freedom' under their new banner of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
After forming up at Kilncraigs, the Battalion marched through Alloa town centre on Saturday, carrying rifles with bayonets fixed and were led by the Pipes and Drums of the Battalion and Regimental Mascot, Shetland pony Cruachan 3rd. Hundreds of local people took the opportunity to show their support for the Battalion and lined the parade route.
The march was followed by a Royal Salute at the steps of Alloa Town Hall to Lord Lieutenant Mrs Cruickshank, Provost Stewart and Major General Andrew Graham CBE, Representative Colonel of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. The commemorative scroll was then signed by Provost Stewart and Major General Graham.
The ceremony was followed by a lunch reception in the town hall. A plaque marking the occasion was also erected within the town hall and the Battalion presented Provost Stewart with a silver statue of an Argylls solider as a token of their appreciation.
Provost Stewart said: "I was delighted to bestow the County's highest honour on Clackmannanshire's own Regiment. The honour speaks volumes of the high regard our community has for the Argyll's conduct, professionalism and dedication.
"Many men from Clackmannanshire have, over the years, served with pride and honour in the Argylls and local communities have maintained strong links with the Argylls. That strength of support was illustrated on Saturday and I was delighted that so many people took the opportunity to applaud the men who continue to play their part in preserving peace and freedom around the world."
Hundreds of commemorative programmes were handed out to members of the public on the day. A few remaining copies are available at Alloa Library for anyone interested in a small souvenir of the historic day. The Freedom scroll is also available for viewing at the library as is the silver statue presented on the day.
In 1974 the Freedom of the Burgh of Alloa was granted to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders by Provost Harry Brown, who was amongst Saturday's guests.
Note to Editor
The scroll, which will later be taken to Stirling Castle, bears the following inscription:
The Colonel, officers and all the ranks of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
In consideration of the high regard and esteem which the regiment commands and in recognition of the services of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, both in war and peace, Clackmannanshire Council determines to bestow its highest civic honour to the regiment.
In passing this resolution, the Provost and Councillors of Clackmannanshire confer upon those honourable soldiers the Freedom of the County of Clackmannanshire and do hereby record for all time the appreciation, gratitude and respect of the citizens of Clackmannanshire.