Athol Highlanders
Accompanied by the sound of their stirring pipes and drums, the Atholl Highlanders joined The Gathering’s Clan Parade along the historic Royal Mile after almost 30 years away from Scotland’s capital.
It marked The Atholl Highlanders first visit to Edinburgh in 29 years. The regiment of Atholl Highlanders serves the Duke of Atholl, its Colonel, and is the last remaining private army in Europe.
They are rarely seen outside of Highland Perthshire, where they gather annually in May at Blair Castle, a major tourist attraction, in the presence of Colonel His Grace, the Duke of Atholl.
Historically, the regiment have acted as bodyguards for royalty, providing a Guard of Honour for Queen Victoria throughout her visit to Blair Castle in 1844, although their current role is a largely a ceremonial one it was excellent to see them parade as Prince Charles : The Duke of Rothesay officially opened the Clan Gathering at Holyrood.
Sun, Sep 27, 2009