The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on Saturday 6 May was an enormous and historic occasion celebrated by many throughout the UK and the Commonwealth.
With an immense military presence in London during the momentous weekend, it was no surprise to see representatives from the Lowlands of Scotland taking part. One such representative was Signaller Kayleigh Boardman of 32 Signal Regiment’s 52 Squadron, who put her skills as a tenor drummer to good use as part of the Royal Corps of Signals Pipes and Drums.
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Gannon, Commanding Officer of The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY) also had a special role to play in the Coronation proceedings: leading his detachment within the Royal Armoured Corps procession group.
‘It was the highest honour to be Commanding the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry’s detachment,’ said Lieutenant Colonel Gannon of the experience. ‘The weeks of preparation really paid off and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the training staff at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Sandhurst Support Group for their extensive commitment, patience and enthusiasm.’
Meanwhile, members of 6 SCOTS joined their colleagues from The Royal Regiment of Scotland to parade The King’s Colour after extensive rehearsals of their own at RMA Sandhurst.
Reflecting on the splendour of the occasion Roderick Urquhart, the Lord-Lieutenant for East Lothian who also had the honour of attending the Coronation in person, said: ‘Being able to be there, and witness the pomp and pageantry surrounding the solemn ritual of the crowning of The King, was something that I will remember and treasure forever.
‘Whether watching in the Abbey or on television, the Coronation was a moving and poignant celebration of duty to the Nation and Commonwealth.’
Closer to home, the big day was marked by a Gun Salute at Edinburgh Castle, carried out by 105 Regiment Royal Artillery while members of the public enjoyed a live screening of the Westminster ceremony in Princes Street Gardens.
On Sunday 7 May, Glasgow city centre was filled with Reservists and Cadets from across all services who came together for a special parade and Service of Thanksgiving. Familiar faces from 1089 – 7th Glasgow Squadron, 2166 Hamilton Squadron, Glasgow & Lanarkshire Battalion ACF, East Kilbride Sea Cadets and 207 Battery could be seen among the celebrating crowds.
Warmest congratulations once again to everyone who took part did such an incredible job representing Scotland in this historic event.
Photo Credits: 105 Regiment Royal Artillery, Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry, 207 City of Glasgow Battery Royal Artillery, 32 Signal Regiment, East Kilbride Sea Cadets.
Video Credits: The Army in Scotland.
