A BATTALION honoured with the Freedom of Clackmannanshire marched through Alloa’s town centre to mark Armed Forces Day.

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion, were bestowed Clackmannanshire Council’s highest honour back in 2006.

The group, known as the Royal Regiment of Scotland, exercised their right to march with a big parade through Alloa on Saturday, September 30.

The procession kicked off from Candleriggs at 11am before heading through the town centre to Alloa Town Hall, via Auld Brig Road, King Street, Drysdale Street, Mill Street, Mar Street and Marshill.

Residents lined the streets to pay tribute to the Regiment and to give their support to servicemen and women around the country.

The Royal Regiment was bestowed the Freedom of Clackmannanshire by the then Provost Derek Stewart.

Derek was also honoured with the same honour on Saturday, marking his service towards community life and local democracy across his career.

Provost Donald Balsillie was on hand to deliver a speech about Derek and to grant him the Freedom of Clackmannanshire, citing it as a pleasure.

He said: “I think it was a great day and I am delighted that the Regiment took up their Freedom of Clackmannanshire.

“The weather thankfully held up for us and everyone enjoyed the day.

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to present Derek with the charter of the Freedom of Clackmannanshire and I was very pleased to see the Royal Regiment marching through Alloa.

“It was great to have Sir George Reid in attendance who is the only other holder of the Freedom of Clackmannanshire.”

Alongside the parade, the High Street played host to a range of entertainment for visitors to enjoy, with charities and volunteer fayre set up in the morning.

Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, giving everyone in the country a chance to show their support for the men and women who put their lives on the line daily.

The Royal Regiment had a stand at the event for anyone interested in signing up.