Countdown to Freedom of Inverclyde event

Countdown to Freedom of Inverclyde event

Veterans, cadets and members of the public will welcome The Royal Regiment of Scotland to Battery Park as they receive the Freedom of Inverclyde on Saturday 5 September.

Around 100 serving personnel will leave the Esplanade at the Royal Gourock Yacht Club at 1pm and march to Battery Park for the service.

They will be accompanied by their popular Shetland Pony mascot Corporal Cruachan IV, Band SCOTS and 2 SCOTS Pipes, Drums and Bugles.

Upon their arrival at Battery Park, veterans from the Inverclyde Argylls, Greenock Argylls, members of Inverclyde Veterans Network and the Army and Air Cadets will line the entrance to the marquee.

At the service, Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy will welcome the guests before Provost McKenzie hands over the Freedom of Inverclyde scroll to Major-General Robin Lindsay CBE, Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Members of the public are invited to watch the parade and the service.

Provost Drew McKenzie said:

"This is shaping up to be a memorable event to celebrate Inverclyde's long history and proud connection with our Armed Forces.

"As Provost of Inverclyde, I am honoured to award The Royal Regiment of Scotland the first ever Freedom of Inverclyde.

"I know the people of Inverclyde will turn out to welcome the regiment on the parade and in Battery Park and I hope all involved enjoy this historic occasion."

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.

After the service, the parade will continue on to Gourock Primary School for a private reception.

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.

Page last updated: 2 September 2026