A Royal Navy frigate with strong ties to Angus is making its way “home” for the first time in six years.
HMS Montrose, which recently celebrated her 20th anniversary and has a long history with the town, sails into the harbour on Tuesday for a six-day visit.
The Type 23 frigate will berth at North Quay and her crew have a packed schedule, beginning with a capability demonstration for invited guests including the Duke of Montrose, after whom she is named.
The ship’s company will exercise their Freedom of Angus the next day, for only the second time since it was conferred in 2002.
With bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying, the ship’s company, led by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, will parade from the former swimming pool at 6pm and march the full length of the High Street.
Angus Provost Helen Oswald will inspect the guard of honour and the ship’s company in the town centre, after which she will take the salute.
The VIP party will also include the Lord Lieutenant of Angus, Georgiana Osborne, Naval Regional Commander Scotland and Northern Ireland Captain Chris Smith, and the ship’s commanding officer, Commander James Parkin RN.
The parade will finish on George Street at around 7pm and Angus Council will then host a civic reception in the town hall. HMS Montrose opens her gangway to the public on Thursday from 10am to 5pm.
A marching platoon will join colleagues from the army and RAF to take part in Dundee’s Armed Forces Day parade on Saturday.
Cdr Parkin said the visit is “a long time in the planning”.
He added: “I know that my ship’s company is very much looking forward to the honour of exercising our Freedom of Angus and we are relishing the chance to welcome visitors on board from our affiliated area.
“The relationship we have with both Montrose and Angus is one which is very special and important to us.
“I am delighted to be in command for this return visit after six years and especially in this our special anniversary year.”
Mrs Oswald said: “The town is rightly proud of its association with HMS Montrose and has enjoyed, and I am sure will continue to enjoy, an excellent relationship with the ship which bears its name.
“The Freedom Scroll states that the Freedom of Angus is granted ‘In recognition of the long and close association between the ship’s company and the people of Angus and the contribution made by them to the educational and social well-being of our community’.”
Councillor Mark Salmond welcomed Montrose’s return and said it will be “a huge spectacle” to see a warship berthed in Angus.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing them back,” he added.
The ship has just finished taking part in BALTOPS 14, an annual multinational maritime exercise in the Baltic Sea with Nato and Partnership for Peace allies.
HMS Montrose will sail from Montrose next Monday at 9.30am.