Hundreds of people lined the streets of Stornoway on Saturday to witness the granting of the Freedom of the Western Isles to the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
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, Kenny Macleod, convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar welcomed those in attendance, including former convener and Freeman of the Western Isles Alexander (Sandy) Matheson
Speaking at the ceremony Mr 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,,Paul Steele, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the council convener.
Having been presented with the freedom scroll and a ceremonial quaich Brigadier L J Drummond 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.”
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 line the streets of Stornoway and show their support to the regiment in great numbers, I would like to thank them all for their attendance and contribution to the event.”
Royal Regiment of Scotland granted Freedom of the Western Isles
9 September 2024
