ALLOA will play host to the Royal Regiment of Scotland as it gets set to march through the town at the end of this month.

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion were bestowed the Freedom of Clackmannanshire by the council back in 2006.

This is the highest honour a local authority can bestow and was the first time Clackmannanshire Council had utilised it.

This honour was granted to the Royal Regiment of Scotland by the then provost Derek Stewart, who will also be presented with the Freedom of Clackmannanshire during the march, set to take place on Saturday, September 30.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: A cutting from the Alloa Advertiser on May 18, 2006, showing then Provost Derek Stewart inspecting the troops when the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were granted the Freedom of Clackmannanshire.A cutting from the Alloa Advertiser on May 18, 2006, showing then Provost Derek Stewart inspecting the troops when the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were granted the Freedom of Clackmannanshire. (Image: Alloa Advertiser)

Provost Donald Balsillie said: “I am very much looking forward to this special event, with a big highlight for me being the parade by the Royal Regiment of Scotland and other local organisations – a real spectacle to be enjoyed.

“By supporting the event, it is also a way we can show our servicemen and women, cadets and veterans, how much we value them and their service.

“I am also very much looking forward to bestowing the Freedom of Clackmannanshire on former provost Derek Stewart to mark his outstanding service to community life and local democracy as part of the day’s celebrations.”

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: The Argylls' Regimental mascot, Cruachan III, led the parade through Alloa town centre in May 2006.The Argylls' Regimental mascot, Cruachan III, led the parade through Alloa town centre in May 2006. (Image: Alloa Advertiser)

The Royal Regiment of Scotland rebranded as their current title in the early 2000s, with Clacks Council being the first to grant them freedom under their new banner.

The parade will kick off from Candleriggs at 11am and will then travel through the town centre to Alloa Town Hall, via Auld Brig Road, King Street, Drysdale Street, Mill Street, Mar Street and Marshill.

These roads will be subject to closures during the parade, with residents being invited to line the route and give support to the marching servicemen and women.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Major General Andrew Graham CBE signs the declaration granting the Freedom of Clackmannanshire to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, watched by Provost Derek Stewart.Major General Andrew Graham CBE signs the declaration granting the Freedom of Clackmannanshire to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, watched by Provost Derek Stewart. (Image: Alloa Advertiser)

The High Street will play host to a range of entertainment for people to enjoy, alongside a recruitment stand for anyone looking to join the regiment.

Alloa First and the Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface will hold a veterans, charities and volunteer fayre on High Street which will take place from 10.30am to 2pm.

The Logistics Corps are also bringing along a truck and a gazebo which will be placed in Marshill.