Ready For Guard? Balaklava Company Undergo Inspection

Balaklava Company from 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland have been undergoing a Fit For Role inspection in London.

If the personnel from 5 SCOTS pass, they will take up guard outside Windsor Castle for the first time.

It will come a year after Balaklava Company took up guard outside Buckingham Palace for the first time.

Prior to the inspection at Wellington Barracks, personnel have been preparing at Redford Barracks.

In London, troops were being inspected by the London District Brigade Major and the Garrison Sergeant Major.

Providing they pass inspection, soldiers from the company will also perform ceremonial guard duties in London from 22 April until 7 May, in addition to taking up guard position outside Windsor Castle.

Major Johnny Thompson said: "For me it's my first time but for a lot of the company they were here last year so that's really useful continuity for the company coming down.

"It's an utter privilege, it really is, for us, for the Royal Regiment of Scotland, to be down here in London, kilts outside the key sights."

Balaklava Company will be joined by Corporal Cruachan IV - the regimental mascot who seems to be taking it all in his stride, as Pony Major, Corporal Mark Wilkinson, explains.

"In the ceremonial aspect of it, Cruachan will be behind the band leading the company commander and the rest of the company into Buckingham Palace, then over to St James' Palace also.

"It's like he likes the big crowds, he shows off a bit, has a certain swagger like the jock soldiers you see with their kilts on, puts the effort in and enjoys it."

And Balaklava Company, who have recently returned from exercise in Kuwait, are on form too.

Later in the year they will form the royal guard at Balmoral.