Tuesday May 12th 2026
Being granted the Freedom of a City in Scotland is 'the highest civic honour a municipality can bestow, representing a prestigious, largely ceremonial recognition of exceptional service or distinction'.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
The Royal Regiment of Scotland could be granted the freedom of Glasgow, with councillors set to consider the move this week.
The honour has been proposed to mark the 20th anniversary year of the British Army regiment, which was formed on March 28, 2006.
Cllr James Adams, Labour, will bring a motion to a full council meeting on Thursday which puts forward the proposal.
The motion suggests a ceremony should be organised to confer the freedom of the city of Glasgow upon the royal regiment in “recognition of its historic ties, valued community engagement, and distinguished service”.
It asks the council to acknowledge the “long and distinguished record of service of the Regiment and its antecedents, whose soldiers have served with dedication and professionalism in operations at home and overseas, and whose sacrifices have included the loss of life and life changing injury”.
Councillors will also be asked to express “gratitude to all who have served and continue to serve”.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland draws on “more than 390 years of continuous service through its antecedent regiments, including the Royal Scots Fusiliers and the Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)”, the motion adds.
It states many Glaswegians serve within SCOTS battalions and many veterans reside across our communities, and recognises the “significant” civic and community role played by 6 SCOTS, Glasgow’s local Army Reserve battalion.
This includes the city’s Remembrance commemorations and work with youth and community organisations, Cllr Adams’ motion continues.
The Partick East/Kelvindale councillor adds the “historic, civic and contemporary connections between Glasgow and The Royal Regiment of Scotland merit formal recognition by the city”.
Other councils, including Inverclyde, have previously granted the freedom of their areas to the regiment.
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