Home the heroes - Lanarkshire welcomes back its soldiers

The 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland took part in a parade throughout the county on Monday, April 15, to celebrate their return after a six month tour of operations in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

Around 150 soldiers took part in the parade, which finished outside the Civic Centre, which is North Lanarkshire Council’s headquarters.

The soldiers took a salute from the Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Mushtaq Ahmad before they attended a civic reception with North Lanarkshire Provost and armed forces champion Jim Robertson.

Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Mushtaq Ahmad, said: “It was an honour to welcome the 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment back home to Scotland, and especially to Lanarkshire.

“It is a magnificent occasion for the soldiers themselves, their families and friends and the affection in which they are held by the people of Lanarkshire is evident in the tremendous support they have received on our streets.

“The Battalion has endured an intense and dangerous six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan and it is great to see them back home safely on home soil.”