South Ayrshire Council News

Four hundred Officers and Soldiers from the Royal Highland Fusiliers the Second Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Glasgow and Ayrshire's local regiment, will be returning home later this month after six months active service in Afghanistan. To mark the occasion a Home Coming Parade will be held on Monday 27 October 2008 in Ayr.

South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan will acknowledge the Soldiers by taking an 'eyes right' salute from them at the Wallace Tower when they parade down Ayr High Street. The parade will be led by the Commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Borton.

Provost Sloan said: "The Soldiers from the Royal Highland Fusiliers have been on active service in Afghanistan. Every day they have been serving their country and often putting themselves at risk to protect others.

"There is a strong connection between these Soldiers and the people of South Ayrshire. Most people have a relative, friend or colleague who has previously served in the forces, or is currently serving their country. These people risk their own safety to protect us and others that can tragically result in them being injured or killed.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to come and watch the parade. Join with me and show the Soldiers and their families how much we appreciate the dedicated way in which they carry out their duties."

The parade will leave from the County Buildings, Pavilion Road in Ayr at 11.30 am and march along Wellington Square, Barns Street, Dalblair Road, Alloway Street, and down the High Street. Provost Sloan will be at the Wallace Tower along with General Euan Loudon, representative Colonel the Royal Highland Fusiliers.

The march will then proceed to the Town Hall where a private medal presentation ceremony will take place inside. Also present at the ceremony will be some of the families of the returning Royal Highland Fusiliers. A lunch will be held in the Town Hall as part of the celebration.