Monday September 7th 2026
Inverclyde Provost Drew McKenzie and Major-General Robin Lindsay CBE, Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Royal Regiment of Scotland was given a warm welcome from the people of Inverclyde as they were given the Freedom of Inverclyde at a public event on Saturday 5 September.
Hundreds of people turned out to watch the march from the Esplanade to Battery Park where the official ceremony took place.
They were accompanied by Band SCOTS and the skirl of the pipes and drums from 2 SCOTS Pipes, Drums and Bugles, with many families lining the streets to watch.
Members of the public followed the parade into the park and gathered alongside veterans from the Inverclyde Argylls, Greenock Argylls, members of Inverclyde Veterans Network and the Army and Air Cadets, who lined the entrance to the marquee where the service took place.
The service began with a welcome from Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy. Provost of Inverclyde, Drew McKenzie then spoke and handed over the Freedom of Inverclyde scroll to Major-General Robin Lindsay CBE, Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Following Major-General Robin Lindsay’s speech to close the service, the regiment continued to march on to a private reception at nearby Gourock Primary School.
Provost Drew McKenzie said afterwards: “This was a fantastic event and I’m delighted so many people came along to enjoy it.
“The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the first ever to receive the Freedom of Inverclyde and it’s fitting that they have done so in their 20th year.
“Battery Park looked terrific as always and there was a great atmosphere.
“It is important that we recognise the brave men and women from Inverclyde who have served in our armed forces – and who continue to do so – and this was an historic way for us to do that.”
Major-General Robin Lindsay CBE, Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “We are deeply honoured to be the first recipients of the Freedom of Inverclyde, a community with which the Royal Regiment of Scotland shares a rich and enduring connection.
Freedom of Inverclyde
“The number of veterans on parade clearly shows the support and our strong connection with the region.
“We’d like to thank Inverclyde Council for their generous hospitality and the kindness shown to the Royal Regiment of Scotland.”
Lord Lieutenant Peter McCarthy said: “Conferring the Freedom of Inverclyde on the Royal of Scotland is a significant honour, that symbolises the trust and respect between the Regiment and local community, and one that builds on historical links that date back to WW1.
“Such an honour permits a unit to parade through the town with colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed.
“It was so uplifting to see so many from the local community in the Battery Park and lining the parade route to affirm this important bond between the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Inverclyde.”
The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the first ever to receive the Freedom of Inverclyde.
The honour was agreed by councillors last year to recognise the service, dedication and sacrifice of the Regiment and their strong historical ties with Inverclyde.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland was formed in 2006 through the amalgamation of six of Scotland’s historic Regiments.
The Regiment consists of several Battalions, each continuing the legacy of their antecedent regiments, namely The Royal Scots, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, The Black Watch, The Highlanders, and The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, which was the historic regiment for Inverclyde.
The Regiment has served in many conflicts and peacekeeping missions worldwide, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans, and earned numerous commendations.
In addition to its military achievements, The Royal Regiment of Scotland has maintained strong ties with local communities across Scotland, including Inverclyde, through its involvement in community events, charitable activities, and support for veterans.
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