Freedom of Falkirk to be awarded to The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS)
The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) is set to receive the prestigious Freedom of Falkirk recognition later this month.
The ceremony, which takes place on Saturday 14 June 2025, recognises the regiment’s long-standing connection to the area and honours its historical ties with Falkirk and the surrounding area.
The Freedom will be granted following a procession through Falkirk and civic ceremony involving the regiment, council representatives, and invited guests.
The regiment parade from Dollar Park at 12 noon, down Camelon Road, making its way through Falkirk town centre. The route includes a salute at the Saluting Dias on Falkirk High Street, before continuing to Callendar Park and ending at Callendar House.
The Provost of Falkirk Council will officially welcome attendees before jointly signing and presenting the Freedom certificate alongside representatives from The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The event will also involve addresses from the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Lord Lieutenant, and include the National Anthem performed by The Royal Regiment of Scotland Band.
Provost Robert Bissett said:
This is an important moment for both the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Falkirk. The Freedom of the area acknowledges our shared history and the strong ties that exist between the regiment and the local community.
"It is a privilege to formally recognise that relationship through this award.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland was established in 2006 following the merger of several historic regiments, including The Royal Scots, Royal Highland Fusiliers, King's Own Scottish Borderers, Black Watch, Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons & Camerons), and the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
Many of these regiments were previously granted the Freedom of various Scottish towns and cities, with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders receiving the Freedom of Falkirk in 1972.
To date, 16 Scottish local authorities have granted the Freedom to the SCOTS since its formation.
The original proposal to grant this recognition was brought forward by Councillor Margaret Anslow and approved by Falkirk Council in 2023.