'Scotland will forever be in my heart': Emotional Edinburgh Garrison Sergeant Major says goodbye to Scotland

The outgoing Edinburgh Garrison Sergeant Major has paid an emotional tribute to the people of Scotland as he reflected on his time in the role.

Warrant Officer Class One Anthony Gibson from the Scots Guards took over the post in May 2021 and his responsibilities included overseeing the British Army's ceremonial duties in Scotland for the Queen's death last year.

He said interacting with the crowds is what he will miss most, adding: "I'm not a Scotsman, but Scotland, Edinburgh, will forever be in my heart, always."   

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He told Forces News: "People perceive certain roles in the military to be of a certain way and manner, but that's not the case, that's not what I wanted to present. People were there to have a good time, it was so easy to smile, take a photograph.

"I'm not Scottish but I feel like a son of Scotland. Absolutely, open-heartedly been loved by this country, this city. Couldn't have asked for a better posting - loved it."

The Edinburgh Garrison Sergeant Major is responsible for ceremonial events in the Scottish capital, as well as preparing troops from the garrison to carry out ceremonial roles elsewhere across the country.

In the earlier months of his time in the role, WO1 Gibson had the tricky task of balancing Covid-19 restrictions with ceremonial activities.

WO1 Gibson said welcoming the late Queen to Scotland was the "prominent highlight" of his time as Edinburgh Garrison Sergeant Major, while he described her death at Balmoral in September 2022 and the duties that followed as the "most notable event".

Warrant Officer 1st Class Ruaridh Tuach of the Royal Regiment of Scotland is taking over from WO1 Gibson as Edinburgh Garrison Sergeant Major.