Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Celebrate Heritage On 50th Anniversary

Soldiers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards have paraded through the heart of Edinburgh to mark the regiment's 50th anniversary.

Scotland's most senior cavalry unit celebrated the landmark by marching down the historic Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace.

Troops from the regiment marched through the city's Old Town to mark the event and honour its storied history.

Major Jamie Irwin, Second-In-Comand of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards said the parade was a way for those taking part to connect with the unit's heritage.

He said: "There's a real sense of occasion here.

"Today is just another real highlight of us being able to show off who we are and what we do, and for every soldier and officer on parade today to feel that real sense of pride, that 50 years of real heritage behind them."

Missing out on the celebration was the Queen, who was due to travel by helicopter to the event being staged in the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Friday.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "Predicted weather conditions for the morning suggest travel disruption is likely and Her Majesty wishes to avoid any delay to the service."

The spokeswoman added that the Queen, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment, sends her "best wishes" to the military unit on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

The Queen has been staying at her private Scottish estate of Balmoral, where she traditionally spends her summer break.