Nostalgia: An end to a long tradition

THE Capital’s centuries-old links with the Royal Scots is set to come to an end as part of the latest army shake-up, it was announced earlier this week.

A review of military bases will see the 600-strong 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland – otherwise known as the Royal Scots Borderers – leave Dreghorn Barracks next year and move to Northern Ireland.

The end result is expected to be a reduction of between 400 and 500 in the number of soldiers based in the Capital, a cut of around 40
per cent.

The move will also see part of Redford Barracks closing.

The barracks have played an important role in Edinburgh’s history over the years, with a mixture of ceremonies, parades and community events being held there. In August 1989, the King’s Own Scottish Borderers regiment parade at Redford Barracks was held to commemorate the Battle of Minden and their 300th anniversary.

A proud six-year-old Teresa Reid was photographed holding her father’s rose during the parade.

As well as being the venue for many tearful goodbyes over the years, as soldiers have left their families to go war-torn countries, Redford has also been the place for many happy reunions.

One such happy reunion occurred when Corporal Peter McCue, a member of the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, returned from Ulster in November 1972 to the arms of his wife and five-week-old baby.

The baby girl, Caroline, had been born on the last day of a brief leave that October.

Redford Barracks was also the destination for a spectacular fireworks display in 1968.