Provost Attends 225th Anniversary of Ayrshire Yeomanry

This is an archived article from 26 June 2023. 

South Ayrshire Council's Provost Iain Campbell attended the 225th Anniversary parade of the Ayrshire Yeomanry on Saturday 24 June.  

Provost was joined by the Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona Sara McDonald OBE; Depute Provost Mary Kilpatrick; South Ayrshire Council's Chief Executive, Eileen Howat; Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Martin Dowey; Major General Simon Graham; Councillors and other distinguished guests for the momentous occasion.  

The parade began at with a wreath laying at Wellington Square, and over 70 personnel then marched through Ayr Town and attended a service at the Auld Kirk. This was followed by a Civic Reception at Ayr Town Hall.  

The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry is one of the newest combat regiments in the British Army. It may have only entered the Army's order of battle in 2014, but the regiment's predecessors have a proud history that stretches back hundreds of years.   

It was originally created to provide a local defence force against the threat of French invasion during the Napoleonic wars. The regiment was composed of local volunteers who were trained in cavalry tactics and other military skills.  

Over the years, members have served with distinction in a number of conflicts, including the Boer War, and both the first and second world wars. More recently, members have served in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kenya, Cyprus, Mali and Poland, and they embodied the spirit of service and sacrifice. 

South Ayrshire Council's Provost, Iain Campbell said: "It is a remarkable achievement to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the Ayrshire Yeomanry, and it's wonderful to see everyone still parade together.  

"We should all be so proud to have this tradition kept alive. I would like to thank the Ayrshire Yeomanry for their hard work and dedication. The event was the perfect way to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served and continue to serve in this historic regiment."