Freedom of Argyll and Bute - the Royal Regiment of Scotland
Argyll and Bute Council · 24 April 2025
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COUNCIL 24th APRIL 2025 FREEDOM OF ARGYLL AND BUTE – THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Provost of Argyll and Bute has received a request from the Lieutenancy of Argyll and Bute to give consideration to awarding the Freedom of Argyll and Bute upon the Royal Regiment of Scotland. 1.2 The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) was formed in March 2006 and included the amalgamation of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (ASH). There are strong links with the ASH across Argyll and Bute and that regiment was itself previously awarded the Freedom in its own right. Agreeing to confer the Freedom on the Royal Regiment of Scotland would continue this legacy and help to maintain strong links between the regiment and the region. 1.3 A number of Scottish councils have already awarded the Freedom of their local authority area to SCOTS and should Argyll and Bute Council agree to follow suit, it is considered that this would be an appropriate recognition of the regiment’s national and local support and dedication. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 The Council is invited to consider awarding the Freedom of Argyll and Bute to the Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) in recognition of its ongoing contribution, service, dedication and support at both national and local levels. 3. DETAIL 3.1 The Lieutenancy of Argyll and Bute has written to the Provost to formally request that the Council gives consideration to awarding the Freedom of Argyll and Bute to the Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) in recognition of its heritage and longstanding connection to the region, as well as its ongoing commitment to service at a national and local level.
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3.2 The Royal Regiment of Scotland was formed on 28th March 2006 through the amalgamation of the country’s six historic infantry regiments, including the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (ASH). The ASH formed in 1881 and have a deep-rooted and historic association with Argyll and Bute. The regiment was itself granted the Freedom of Argyll and Bute in 1979 by the then-Argyll and Bute District Council, and this was subsequently reconferred by the unitary authority in 2010. The ASH legacy continues to be honoured within SCOTS today. 3.3 SCOTS maintains a strong relationship with the people of Argyll and Bute through various community engagement efforts, including involvement in local events, educational initiatives, and support for local veterans and their families. 3.4 Conferring the Freedom of the county is one of the highest honours that a council can bestow, signifying mutual respect and recognition of exceptional service. The Lieutenancy, in its submission to the Provost, cites the values embodied by SCOTS of dedication, courage and community spirit, and notes that should the Council agree to grant the Freedom, it would be acknowledging both the regiment’s historical significance and its current and continuing contributions to communities across the area. A number of Scottish councils have already agreed to confer the Freedom of their own local authority areas upon the regiment in recent years. 3.5 Section 206 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 makes provision for the admission of honorary freeman of the area of persons of distinction or any persons who have rendered eminent service to the area and its communities. Should Council agree to proceed, the award of Freedom would require to take place at a Special Meeting of the Council which specifies the proposal as an item of business and the resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the voting members at the meeting. 3.6 The Council maintains a roll containing the names of those awarded the Freedom of Argyll and Bute in accordance with the above section of the Act. 4. CONCLUSION 4.1 The Council has received a formal request to consider awarding the Freedom of Argyll and Bute to the Royal Regiment of Scotland. It is considered that doing so would honour the longstanding connections with the regiment since its inception and through the tradition which began with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. The award of Freedom would signal appreciation for the service and commitment made by the regiment
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at both national and local level and would help to strengthen the existing connections between the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the county of Argyll and Bute. 5. IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Policy - none 5.2 Financial – there may be some costs associated with any arrangements provided in relation to the Freedom award ceremony. 5.3 Legal - none 5.4 HR - none 5.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: - none 5.5.1 Equalities – protected characteristics 5.5.2 Socio-economic duty 5.5.3 Islands 5.6 Climate Change – none 5.7 Risk – none 5.8 Customer Service – strengthening partnership working between the Council, the Lieutenancy of Argyll and Bute and the Royal Regiment of Scotland. 5.9 The Rights of the Child (UNRC) – none Douglas Hendry Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support Councillor Mark Irvine Policy Lead for Corporate Services and Community Planning 19th March 2025 For further information please contact Shona Barton, Governance Manager, telephone 01436 657605 or email shona.barton@argyll-bute.gov.uk