VETERANS, soldiers and cadets will march in Dumfries today – Friday – to mark the 15th anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Scotland being granted the Freedom of the Region.
In June 2008, Dumfries and Galloway Council was the first area in Scotland to grant the Royal Regiment of Scotland the Freedom of the region. The regiment was awarded the civic honour in recognition of their service and strong links to area. Fifteen years on, The Royal Regiment of Scotland will exercise the Freedom of Dumfries and Galloway and parade through the streets of the town on Friday morning.
Speaking ahead of the parade, Lieutenant Colonel Hugo I M Clark of The Royal Regiment of Scotland said: “I am really proud to be representing the Colonel of the Regiment when soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland exercise their Freedom of Dumfries on 9 June. We trace our close connection to Dumfries through the King’s Own Scottish Borderers – one of the oldest and most distinguished of our antecedent Regiments. I hope that the people of Dumfries will take time out to watch the parade on Friday morning and talk to our soldiers afterwards.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Archie Dryburgh added: “We welcome once again the Royal Regiment of Scotland to exercise their Freedom Right to march in Dumfries. The Regiment was awarded the Freedom of Dumfries and Galloway in 2008, and we are extremely pleased to see them exercising their rights in our region. We know that the people of Dumfries and Galloway will come out to show their support on 9 June to line the route and to cheer on our soldiers, cadets and veterans, in the same way that they have always done.”
The Parade will form up at the car park of DG One at 11.45 am, depart on the route at 12 noon, and return at the end of the Parade at 12.45pm.
