The Scottish Secretary, Alistair Carmichael, has visited Glencorse Barracks, home to The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Penicuik’s local battalion played host to the Scottish Secretary of State, Alistair Carmichael, on Thursday 5 June, where he was treated to displays of the new weaponry the force are using in overseas warfare.

Amongst the equipment shown was the Javelin Missile system. Mr Carmichael also met the local troops, amongst these were some highly trained snipers who gladly demonstrated their skills, before the visitor was invited to watch the Mortar Platoon.

2 Scots arrived back in Penicuik last October after completing their time in Afghanistan. However the battalion will now look to move away from combat roles, with preparations ongoing to become a UK Contingency Battalion. By being a Contingency Battalion, soldiers will be available for deployment throughout the United Kingdom to help with emergencies such as flooding, widespread industrial action or acts of domestic terrorism. They will aid the Police and other service when needed to ensure the security of the island.

Commanding Officer of 2 SCOTS, Lieutenant Colonel Robin Lindsay said:

It has been great to have Mr Carmichael for the afternoon and to let him see what we do and what equipment we have. He enjoyed his visit and met lots of the soldiers, and had a good banter with them, which was great.

The Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael said:

It was good to meet the soldiers at Glencorse. They are a valued part of our community and my visit allowed me to hear first-hand about their experiences of active service in Afghanistan and Kenya as well as their sporting success in winning the army championship rugby finals.

On the eve of D-Day, when we will remember those who gave their lives to save the lives of others, it’s important that we acknowledge the dedication, professionalism and bravery of those currently serving in the Armed Forces.

I am sure the UK ’s Armed Forces stationed both here at Glencorse and across the globe will pause for thought and remember those who never returned home seventy years ago.