Birthday salute goes with a bang

A 21-GUN salute was fired from Edinburgh Castle to mark the Duke of Edinburgh’s 91st birthday.

But it was a bittersweet moment for soldiers from the 40th Regiment Royal Artillery, also known as the Lowland Gunners, as it was their final royal salute before the regiment stands down from active duty due to army reorganisation.

Lt Col Baz Bennett, commanding officer of 40th Regiment, said: “It is with great honour that personnel from 40th Regiment Royal Artillery (The Lowland Gunners) conduct the royal salute in Edinburgh.”

The Duke spent his birthday on Sunday at home after being released from hospital.