Hundreds of people lined the streets of Stornoway on Saturday 7 September to witness the granting of the Freedom of the Western Isles to the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
With so many in attendance members of the public are encouraged to share their view of the day by posting photos and videos from the event using the hashtag #rrsfreedomWI.
In an impressive display the regimental pipe band led the regiment, Western Isles veterans and the Territorial Army from Porter’s Lodge to Perceval Square where the ceremony took place.
Following a salute by the Regiment, Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar welcomed those in attendance, including former Convener and Freeman of the Western Isles Alexander (Sandy) Matheson CVO OBE.
Speaking at the ceremony Cllr Kenny Macleod, said:
“I would like to express the gratitude of our communities for the past and continued service of our armed forces. In Two World Wars and in modern conflicts our armed forces have sacrificed so much to preserve our safety, personal freedoms and the freedoms of those around the world. Today and throughout history the service of men and women from Scotland and the Western Isles has been crucial in the achievement of these goals.”
Following the Convenor’s address Colin George Morrison took to the stage to read the freedom scroll on behalf of Malcolm Burr, Chief Executive of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
The Freedom Roll was then signed by Brigadier L J Drummond MBE, Cllr Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
Having been presented with the freedom scroll and a ceremonial Quaich Brigadier L J Drummond MBE spoke to accept the Freedom of the Western Isles on behalf of the regiment.
The service was concluded with a prayer by Rev Colin Macleod, Back Free Church, who previously served in the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Major Tony Ronaldson, Officer Commanding of 2SCOTS at The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said:
“It is an honour to be granted the Freedom of the Western Isles. The last – and only other time – we paraded on the island was in 1993 when I was a Lance Corporal. I’m currently one of only two officers still serving from that time.
“I have many friends and family here and it’s a privilege to march through such a beautiful location and see some familiar faces. As a regiment, we want to ensure we are connecting with rural communities, so to have been invited by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to attend this event, is a great opportunity for us.”
Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said:
“I would like to thank Brigadier L J Drummond MBE and the Royal Regiment of Scotland for making Saturday a day that will live long in the memory of all in attendance. The Freedom of the Western Isles has only been granted on seven previous occasions and is the highest honour the Comhairle can award. To grant this honour to a regiment that has contributed so much to our community was a great privilege. It was fantastic to see the public show their support to the regiment as they lined the streets of Stornoway in great numbers, I would like to thank them all for their attendance and contribution to the event.”
Freedom of the Western Isles
The freedom of the Western Isles is the highest honour that the Comhairle can award. The ceremony marked the eighth occasion that the freedom has been granted. Previous recipients were Rev. Donald Macaulay OBE, Father Calum Maclellan, Donald Stewart MP and his wife Chrissie, Duncan M Morrison MBE, the now disbanded Queen’s Own Highlanders and Alexander Matheson CVO OBE.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland
The Royal Regiment of Scotland was formed in 2006 through the amalgamation of Scotland’s historic infantry regiments to form a single fighting force. The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) is the senior and only current Scottish line infantry regiment of the British Army Infantry.