22/5/2008Local BB lads take part in Guard of Honour
Group of BB lads from Glasgow relaxing before Parade. L/Cpl Sean McKinney (Far Left) and S/Sgt James McAlpine (Far Left Rear) from Pollok pose with everyone for a photo.
They were part of a contingent of 15 lads from 7 Glasgow Companies who were invited by their Company Captains to attend at the request of Edinburgh and Leith Battalion.
On arrival at Edinburgh the Guard formed on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle which then paraded down to Parliament Square to wait the arrival and inspection of the ranks by the Lord High Commissioner (The Sovereign's personal representative to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland), this year being George Reid, Parliament's presiding officer between 2003 and 2007.At Parliament Square a Royal Salute was given and the National Anthem played as the Offical car bearing the Royal Standard of Scotland arrived. His Grace (Title used when addressing or referring to the LHC), with Highland Cathedral playing in the bachground then Inspected the Guard. He stopped at L/Cpl McKinney and asked him where he was from... to which was replyed Glasgow.After the inspection the Guard then marched down The Mound to St George and St Andrews Church in the Old Town for a Church Service and March Past.
Lord High Commissioner and Purse Bearer
Parading down The Mound
I am staff sergent James McAlpine and I wish to say it was a great honour to be there. This was my second Lord High Commissioners parade, my first one ended up with me fainting. Im a lot older and wiser now and with determination to finish this parade I managed. It was a great honour to take part in and i urge captains to send thier up coming boys in future as it is great experiance. S/Sgt James McAlpine, 208th Glasgow company