A motion to grant the freedom to the Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) was agreed at a meeting of the full Council today.

The motion was proposed by Provost Margaret Cooper and seconded by the council’s Veterans' Champion, Councillor Mark Horsham.

Provost Cooper said: “I am delighted that we have been able to honour the Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) in this way.

“It means they will be able to parade through the streets of South Lanarkshire with their bayonets fixed, drums beating and pipes playing.

“It is an amazing sight to see, and I am sure communities across South Lanarkshire will be enthralled when we agree a date for this to take place, sometime in the New Year.

Councillor Horsham added: “Most of us will know of family, friends or neighbours that have served and are serving within the regiment not only carrying out duties during times of conflict but in peace time as well.

“The SCOTS are an important part of our communities, and this agreement will go towards the continued engagement between the regiment and the people of South Lanarkshire.”

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Jonathan Tink – Regimental Secretary RHQ SCOTS, said: “The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) is the senior line infantry of the British Army.  It was formed on 28 March 2006 and founded on the fighting heritage of historic Scottish Infantry Regiments.

“Today, the Royal Regiment of Scotland consists of three regular battalions, an incremental company and two reserve battalions.

“The SCOTS recruit nationally and have links dating back to the Cameronians, originally from South Lanarkshire.

“It is a great honour to be granted the Freedom of any local authority – where the Regiment can honour their forebearers with pride.”

The historical regiments of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) were Royal Scots, Royal Highland Fusiliers, Kings Own Scottish Borderers, Black Watch, The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons), The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 2/51 Lowland Volunteers and 2/51 Highland Volunteers.