Thousands turn out for troops' return

THOUSANDS of city residents lined the Royal Mile to welcome soldiers of The Royal Scots Borderers following a six-month tour of Afghanistan.

Around 400 soldiers from the Capital were in Helmand Province to train Afghan forces. Three were killed in action.

Among those cheering the soldiers - and dressed up as the battalion's 7ft Baxterbear mascot - on Saturday was Nichola Brash, 37, whose husband Paul, a Colour Sergeant, isn't back until next month.

She said: "I wanted to come along and show my support. The boys deserve it."