A local soldier, Private Roy Robertson of Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (BKA Coy, 5 SCOTS), is off to London soon.
Balaklava Company is returning to public duties as The King’s Guard for the second time in twelve months and Private Robertson will be First Mount.
They are responsible for guarding Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace and are provided by one of the five Foot Guards regiments: Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish, and Welsh Guards.
Former Broughton High School student, Roy (23), joined the Army in 2025 following in the footsteps of a cousin who also served in the same regiment.
He was a light vehicle technician before jointing up, but wanted a career that would be challenging and enable him to travel the world, and the Army offered both of those opportunities.
As a member of BKA Coy, Roy is part of a unit with two distinct roles; one ceremonial and the other operational.
Now entering its ceremonial phase and prior to resuming public duties in London, BKA Coy undertook a rigorous “fit for role” inspection by the British Army’s authorities of ceremonial excellence, the Household Division’s Brigade Major, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Foinette and Garrison Sergeant Major WO1 Andrew Stokes, to ensure it met the exacting standards required of The King’s Guard.
The inspection evaluates drill precision, uniform standards, and overall readiness to perform the duties of The King’s Guard and is a critical assessment that must be passed before a unit can take up the role.
Roy said: “I’m not long out of training and spent my first six weeks in an operational role so this is my first time on public duties, and it will also be my first trip to London.
“We’ve been doing some pretty intense training to make sure we meet the highest ceremonial standards and the fit for role inspection was a full dress rehearsal parade that we had to pass before we can take up the duties of The King’s Guard.
“I’m really proud to be part of The King’s Guard, but I’m also nervous.
Roy added: “The thought of thousands of people watching me is pretty nerve-racking and I just hope I don’t make any mistakes.
“It is enjoyable though, even if your feet do get really numb.”
Balancing the very different demands of public and operational duties and regularly swapping combats for kilts has become second nature to BKA Coy and they can be justifiably proud of the crowds they attract as they represent Scotland in the nation’s capital in full ceremonial dress.
Having a mascot as popular and photogenic as Shetland pony Corporal Cruachan IV is undoubtedly an added attraction, and he inevitably steals the show.
BKA Coy will be back in Scotland in May when they will continue in their ceremonial role for a full calendar of public events over the summer.
Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (BKA Coy, 5 SCOTS) will return to London this month to take up their duties as the King’s Guard for the second time.
