Royal Regiment of Scotland to receive first Freedom of Inverclyde

THE Royal Regiment of Scotland is to become the first recipient of the Freedom of Inverclyde.

The honorary title will be given to the senior and only Scottish line infantry regiment of the British Army following unanimous approval by councillors at a full council meeting on Thursday 12 June 2025.

It follows a motion put forward by Councillor Graeme Brooks, who is the council’s armed forces champion, which was seconded by Provost Drew McKenzie.

It was also agreed that a ceremony and parade should take place in Greenock Town Centre in summer 2026 to mark the occasion and formally present the regiment with a Freedom of Inverclyde scroll.

The proposals also include a reception in Greenock Town Hall featuring performances by military bands and local performers.

Inverclyde Council has already set aside £25,000 in the 2025/26 budget for a Freedom of Inverclyde event.

Councillor Brooks said: “The brave men and women of the Royal Regiment of Scotland serve us at home and overseas to protect the freedoms we hold dear so it’s only right that we show our appreciation by granting them the Freedom of Inverclyde. 

“It’s also important that we remember and acknowledge the service of soldiers past and present, as well as their families, and this honour is as much for them as it is for current personnel.

“This will be the first time this honour is bestowed on any group or individual and it’s fitting that it will happen in 2026 during the twentieth anniversary year of the regiment.”

The Royal Regiment of Scotland, formed on 28 March 2006, through the amalgamation of Scotland's historic regiments, each with its rich heritage and traditions.

The regiment consists of several battalions, each continuing the legacy of their antecedent regiments, namely The Royal Scots, The King's Own Scottish Borderers, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, The Black Watch, The Highlanders, and The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

The regiment has served in many conflicts and peacekeeping missions worldwide, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans, and earned numerous commendations.

In addition to its military achievements, The Royal Regiment of Scotland has maintained strong ties with local communities across Scotland, including Inverclyde, through its involvement in community events, charitable activities, and support for veterans.

Provost McKenzie added: “Inverclyde also has a strong and proud connection with our armed forces and

particularly the Army through the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, which was of course amalgamated with other Scottish regiments to form the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006.

“Their motto is ‘be the standard for others to follow’ which I think is very apt as they lead the way in becoming the first recipients of the Freedom of Inverclyde.”

In the motion that was approved at full council, it says:

In recognition of the distinguished service, dedication, and sacrifice of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, both in times of peace and conflict and their strong historical ties with the community of Inverclyde, it is proposed that Inverclyde Council confer upon The Royal Regiment of Scotland the honorary title of "Freedom of Inverclyde".

The Council resolves to:

1. Acknowledge the invaluable contributions and sacrifices made by The Royal Regiment of Scotland in serving our nation and protecting its citizens.

2. Formally invite The Royal Regiment of Scotland to accept the Freedom of Inverclyde in a ceremonial event to be held in summer 2026.

3. Organise a ceremonial parade and reception to celebrate the granting of this honorary title, involving key representatives, members of the community, and dignitaries.

4. Authorise the necessary arrangements and allocate appropriate funds to cover the costs of the ceremony and related event.

It continues:

Granting the Freedom of Inverclyde to The Royal Regiment of Scotland acknowledges its exceptional service and seeks to foster a sense of pride and unity within the Inverclyde community.

This honour highlights the enduring bond between the regiment and the people of Inverclyde.

The proposal has garnered strong support from the Inverclyde community, including local organisations, veterans' groups, and residents.

Plans will now be developed for commemorations in 2026 to formally present the Freedom of Inverclyde to the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The report and a recording of the meeting are available via the links in the Related Links and Other Websites sections of this page. 

Page last updated: 16 June 2025