A soldier from Edinburgh is preparing for a prestigious role in the capital as Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (BKA Coy, 5 SCOTS), returns to London to undertake duties as The King’s Guard for the second time this year.
The unit will be responsible for guarding Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace, a role carried out by soldiers from one of the five Foot Guards regiments: Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish, and Welsh Guards.
Among those deploying is 23-year-old Private Roy Robertson, a former student of Broughton High School. Roy joined the Army in 2025, inspired by a cousin who served in the same regiment. Previously working as a light vehicle technician, he sought a career that would challenge him and offer opportunities to travel—both of which he has found in military life. As part of Balaklava Company, Roy serves in a unit with dual responsibilities: ceremonial duties and operational deployments.
Before returning to public duties in London, the Company underwent a demanding “fit for role” inspection conducted by the Household Division’s Brigade Major, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Foinette, and Garrison Sergeant Major WO1 Andrew Stokes. The inspection ensures the unit meets the exacting standards required of The King’s Guard.
This assessment evaluates drill precision, uniform presentation, and overall readiness, and must be successfully passed before any unit can take on the role.
Roy said: “I’ve only recently finished training and spent my first six weeks in an operational role, so this will be my first experience of public duties—and my first time in London.
“We’ve been training intensively to meet the highest ceremonial standards. The inspection was effectively a full dress rehearsal parade that we had to pass before stepping into the role.
“I’m really proud to be part of The King’s Guard, but I’m also nervous. The thought of thousands of people watching is quite daunting, and I just hope I don’t make any mistakes.
“That said, it’s enjoyable—even if your feet do go numb.”
Balaklava Company has become adept at balancing the contrasting demands of operational and ceremonial duties, regularly transitioning from combat gear to traditional Highland dress. Representing Scotland in the nation’s capital, they draw large crowds with their distinctive appearance and precision.
Adding to their appeal is their mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV, a Shetland pony whose charm and photogenic presence make him a consistent crowd favourite.
The Company is due to return to Scotland in May, where they will continue their ceremonial role, taking part in a busy schedule of public events throughout the summer.
