Royal Scots receiving Afghanistan Campaign Medals

The Royal Scots Borderers marched down Edinburgh's Royal Mile

Troops from The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, have marched down Edinburgh's Royal Mile in the last in a series of homecoming parades.

The 190 personnel were then receiving Afghanistan Campaign Medals in a ceremony at Holyrood Park.

It follows a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

About 400 soldiers were deployed to Helmand Province in March as part of 4 Mechanised Brigade.

Thousands of people turned out to line the streets for the parade.

The battalion took on a variety of roles, including training and mentoring the Afghan security forces.

In the last week the soldiers have paraded through Galashiels, Linlithgow and Colinton.

Commanding Officer of 1 Scots, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Herbert said: "Marching in Edinburgh is always a delight.

"It is our home, the city where the Royal Scots was formed in 1633, and where many of our soldiers are from.

"We are hugely proud of our association with the people of Edinburgh, and I grateful to them for coming out in force to support their battalion."

He said the soldiers had been through a tough tour in Afghanistan.

"Three soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, others suffered life changing injuries," he said. "On a day like today, we inevitably think of them and their families. They will never be forgotten.

"I take comfort though in knowing that their sacrifice was not in vain. We made a tangible difference during our time in southern Afghanistan, and I am rightly proud of what all ranks have achieved out there.

"Today's medals parade is a significant event, and it is fitting to do it here in Edinburgh, in front of the general public.

"Ordinary people doing extraordinary things, day in and day out on behalf of our nation."

George Grubb, Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, said: "Edinburgh has a long and proud tradition of honouring its armed forces and I'm sure there will be a wonderful atmosphere on Saturday when the crowds turn out to watch 1 Scots parading through the heart of the city.

"This event is an opportunity for Edinburgh to honour 1 Scots with the dignity and gratitude they have earned, some of whom by making the ultimate sacrifice for our sakes."

The battalion was being led by its Pipes and Drums and the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.