Resplendent in red tunics and bearskin helmets, the 1st Battalion Scots Guards brought Dundee city centre to a standstill on Saturday for a celebration of the country’s armed forces.
In front of thousands of onlookers they marched to the City Square along with representatives of HMS Duncan, RAF Leuchars, cadets and veterans in a spectacle capped by a flypast of four Typhoon aircraft by 6 Squadron from the Fife airbase.
It did rain at the end of Dundee’s parade, but the downpour did not dampen the spirits of the dignitaries, service personnel and crowd at the colourful, hour-long ceremony.
Dundee was one of four main Scottish venues for Armed Forces Day, an annual occasion for the nation to show its support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community serving personnel, their families, veterans and cadets.
The parade including contingents from HMS Duncan and RAF Leuchars, members of local territorial forces, veterans’ associations and cadet forces marched from the High School of Dundee down Reform Street to the City Square.
They were followed by the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, led by their pipes and drums, who paraded from St Andrew’s Church via Cowgate, Panmure Street and Albert Square and down Reform Street.Click here for a full photo galleryThe salute was taken by Lord Provost Bob Duncan accompanied by the Scots Guards’ regimental lieutenant colonel, Brigadier GHFS Nickerson, and Vic Herd, president of the City of Dundee Combined Ex-Services Association.
They inspected the parade and presented veterans’ badges before returning to the platform where, after speeches, the gathering sang the hymn Abide With Me.
The event ended at 1.20pm with a flypast of Typhoons from Leuchars, which later performed the same role at the end of the parades in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Mr Duncan said: ”Nothing stirs the heart more than the sight of the immaculately-turned-out soldiers, sailors and airmen of our armed forces.”
Casting his eye over the rows of men and women in uniform, he added: ”Everyone here today is a credit to the country. You do us all very proud.”
The honour of marching through Dundee is usually reserved for The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland who have been awarded the freedom of the city.
”But the 1st Battalion Scots Guards provided a great spectacle, led by their magnificent pipes and drums, marching through the city with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed,” Mr Duncan said.
”This colourful and enjoyable day is the perfect opportunity for local people and visitors to show their support for the men and women who make up our armed forces.”
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Howieson, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, said: ”We were honoured to take part in Dundee’s Armed Forces Day celebrations. It was great to see everyone taking part in the parade, especially the army cadets and their outstanding pipes and drums.
”These celebrations have allowed us to build on our strong bond with the city and have enabled us to thank all the people for their unstinting support throughout the years.”
The day culminated with a heroes concert at the Caird Hall, with all proceeds going to armed forces charities.