Armed Forces Day parade in Ayr for 225 years of Yeomanry

After forming for inspection by Major Jonathan Townrow, the commanding officer of the Ayrshire squadron, and the Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald, the parade marched off along Pavilion Road before a moment of remembrance and a wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in Wellington Square.

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

The ceremony was performed by Reverend David Gemmell, with the Provost of South Ayrshire, Iain Campbell, and Councillor Martin Dowey, the leader of South Ayrshire Council, also in attendance.

After the ceremony, the parade continued down Barns Street, up Carrick Street, and along the High Street before finishing at The Auld Kirk of Ayr on Blackfriars Walk, where a service of thanksgiving took place.

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

After the service, the Ayrshire Yeomanry were honoured with a civic reception at Ayr Town Hall and a social event later in the day at Yeomanry House which brought together serving and retired members of the Regiment to celebrate the landmark event.

Trooper Robin McNamara, from Ayr, a Jackal Gunner who has recently returned from operations, said: “I have been a member of the Army Reserve’s for five years, and it gives me a massive sense of pride to march in my home town of Ayr as a part of Ayrshire Squadron SNIY who have been a part of the fabric of the town for so long.

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

“Over the past few weeks, we have been practicing drill, perfecting our kit, and building excitement for this coming weekend. Having been away on tour earlier this year. I am particularly excited for the regiment to come together again and to catch up with old mates!”

Locals lined the streets to watch the parade, which included more than 20 personnel from the local area, and to show their appreciation and recognition of the contribution of military personnel.

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

Captain Alistair Coombe, the squadron’s second in command, said: “Having moved up to Scotland recently, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the soldiers at Ayrshire squadron and Ayrshire in general. It’s a very beautiful part of the world.

"We regularly train in the local area and can usually be found running up and down the beach front on wet weekends, so it’s nice to be looking our best for a change as we exercise the Freedom of Ayr.

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

"We have been planning this for months and the guys have been training for weeks so I’m sure it will go smoothly. But you never know with horses!”

Sergeant Maggie Boyd, the 2nd Troop Sergeant, who has just opened a bakery in Ayr, said: “Ayrshire Squadron won the honour of representing the SNIY at the Coronation in London in May and I was one of the seven who took part.

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

“It’s fantastic to be able to do the same in our hometown for the Yeomanry 225th Anniversary parade.

"All our soldiers from the Coronation marched at the front of the parade with lances, which represent the historical weapons the Yeomanry’s used 225 years ago but are now just used during ceremonial events.”

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

Lt Col Mark S Gannon, commanding officer of the SNIY, said “Marking the honour of the Freedom of Ayr by the Ayrshire Yeomanry Squadron of the Scottish and Northern Irish Yeomanry comes at the same time as celebrating the 225th anniversary of the formation of the Yeomanry in Scotland.

"It gives us a huge swell of pride to parade in Ayrshire and exercise the prestigious distinction awarded in 2014.

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

"We are for the civic community and also from the civic community, all cultures, all creeds and all backgrounds. This is what fuses us together and thus, the squadron and the Regiment are themselves a family community.

"It is my hope that we can evoke some feelings of pride in the people of Ayrshire, who may just take a moment’s observance to join us and to celebrate our wonderful Reserve Light Cavalry Squadron”.

Marchers and soldiers on horseback paraded through Ayr on June 24 to mark the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Photo: Sgt Murray Kerr RA)

The day also marked Armed Forces Day, the conclusion of a weeklong event celebrated nationally to recognise and thank the country’s armed forces community past and present.