This year marks the 50th year since the formation of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
To commemorate the regiment’s 50th anniversary, soldiers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards marched through the centre of Edinburgh. Scotland’s most senior cavalry troop commemorated the occasion by marching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace down the historic Royal Mile. The regiment’s troops marched through the city’s Old Town to commemorate the occasion and pay tribute to the their rich heritage.
Formed on 2 July 1971 at Holyrood, Edinburgh, by the amalgamation of the Prince of Wales’s Dragoon Guards and The Royal Scots Greys, they currently have their Headquarters inside Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum opened in 2006 in the Castle. The exhibits include uniforms, medals, weapons, regalia, music and the French Imperial Eagle that was captured by Sergeant Charles Ewart of the Royal Scots Greys from the French 45th Régiment d’Infanterie de Ligne at the Battle of Waterloo.
Royal Scots. Loyal Traditions.
Scotland’s Cavalry have a tradition called the The Loyal Toast. It is always drunk sitting during formal dinners at the Mess, unless Royalty is present. On evenings when a military band is present, the band, in addition to playing “The Queen,” also plays “God Bless the Prince of Wales,” an old 3rd Dragoon Guards custom, and the “Imperial Russian Anthem” in memory of Tsar Nicholas II, the Colonel-in-Chief of the Scots Greys, who was killed with his family during the Russian Civil War (1918). The regiment also has a mounted Drum Major who wears an unique white bearskin that Tsar Nicholas gave to the regiment during his service as Colonel of the Regiment.
The band also plays the “Imperial Russian Anthem” in memory of Tsar Nicholas II, the former Colonel-in-Chief of the Scots Greys
The regiment has its own pipe band,
which was founded in 1946 and performs in contests, concerts, and parades. It was the regiment’s first official organised pipe and drum corps. Their best renowned song is “Amazing Grace,” which peaked at number one in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa in 1972. By mid-1977, the song had sold over seven million copies and received a gold disc. The song was also included in the 1978 remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards are a light cavalry unit best known for their historic victory at the Battle of Waterloo! The regiment has a historic heritage that dates back more than 300 years. Here are some of the best photos I took of the event. Hope you enjoy. Do you have a favourite?
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