At an historic event on Saturday, the Royal Regiment paraded around the streets of Hamilton and Provost Margaret Cooper handed over a special scroll containing the Freedom of South Lanarkshire document to Major General James Roddis.

A number of other gifts were also handed over to the Royal Regiment to mark the occasion.

Provost Cooper said: “The whole day was a fantastic, colourful occasion and I would like to thank the Royal Regiment for putting on such a marvellous display.

“I was filled with an immense sense of pride as they marched with their bayonets fixed, drums beating and pipes playing.

“We also had a fantastic turnout, so thank you to the people of South Lanarkshire who came along to witness the historic occasion.

“I would like to thank our veterans, who looked absolutely wonderful as usual, as well as the cadets who also added to the sense of occasion.

“Special thanks have to go to sculptor John McKenna, who handed over a portrait of a bust of King Charles III he is currently working on and will hand over to the Royal Regiment at a later date.

“Thanks also to Lightbody’s of Hamilton who gave us hundreds of cakes to enjoy, as well as a special one-off cake with the Royal Regiment logo.

“And I am sure the Royal Regiment will be delighted with the bottles of whisky, which were kindly donated by the Right Honourable Adam Ingram.

“I must also thank the fantastic team of council officers who have supported me over the last six months of planning.

“I am delighted that the Royal Regiment are the first to receive the honour of the Freedom of South Lanarkshire.”

Major General Roddis said: “It was an honour and a privilege for The Royal Regiment of Scotland to be the first recipients of the Freedom of South Lanarkshire.  

“It was a special day for the people of this vibrant community and for our soldiers and will only further the strong links we already enjoy.

“We are immensely grateful to the Lord Provost and her team for enabling this unique occasion. 

“Soldiers exist to serve their people and for our work, in peace and in war, to be recognised is truly humbling and a great source of strength and pride to us all.”

A service also took place by Reverend Ross Blackman ahead of Armed Forces Day, which takes place this weekend, which included a flag-raising ceremony, a two-minute silence and the playing of the National Anthem.

Speeches were made by the Lord Lieutenant for Lanarkshire Lady Susan Haughey, Provost Cooper, the Rt Hon Adam Ingram and John McKenna. Major Roddis also gave a vote of thanks.