Glasgow adds its welcome to Scots heroes

To mark their recent return, soldiers from The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS) will take part in the parade tomorrow.

Troops will march from Holland Street to George Square from midday.

News of the Glasgow event came as the battalion, on behalf of The Royal Regiment of Scotland accepted the Freedom of South Ayrshire as reported in last night's paper.

South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie said: "The Honorary Freedom of Ayr is given to very few people.

"It is an appropriate way for us to show our appreciation for everything these men and women do for us and others around the world."

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Robin Lindsay said: "2 SCOTS are delighted to be home from a hard tour."

Lt Col Lindsay explained that their role in Afghanistan was to advise and liaise with the Afghan Uniformed Police and to see that the Afghans continue to grow in stature over the tour.

He added: "They were outstanding and the capability they deploy now is a step change away from where they were on our last tour.

"They have had a successful summer fighting season and prevented the Taliban from gaining a hold in the protected community.

"We simply gave them the confidence to do this and by the time we left, in most cases, were not needed."

The battalion retur-ned from Afghanistan last month. Around 400 soldiers went to Helmand Province in April.

They were resp-onsible for a variety of tasks which included handing over Forward Operating Bases in the Lashkar Gah district to the Afghan National Army.

Three soldiers - Corporal William Savage, Fusilier Samuel Flint and Private Robert Hetherington - were killed and six were injured on April 30, when their vehicle was targeted while travelling between bases in Lashkar Gah.

Last year a memorial was unveiled to the Royal Highland Fusiliers near to Glasgow Cathedral.

It was followed by a parade of veterans and army cadets before a service of remembrance and the laying of wreaths.