On Friday, seven years to the day since RAF Kinloss became Kinloss Barracks, soldiers from 39 Engineer Regiment paraded through the centre of Forres, a town which many now call their home.
The occasion was to award medals to 160 soldiers who have recently returned from deployment on Operation Trenton, the UK contribution to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
They were supported by the Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support), Royal Logistics Corps and REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers).
Moray MP Douglas Ross, who was there to witness the parade on Friday (26 July) offered his congratulations on the ceremony.
Commenting after attending the event, Douglas said: “It was a fantastic morning and great to see so many families and friends there to watch as the soldiers received their medals.
“I want to commend everyone involved with the organisation of the medals parade and the beautiful surroundings of Grant Park, which is a natural amphitheatre for such a celebration, was an excellent venue for the event.
“It’s fantastic that the British Army is operating from the base and I know that everyone has given a warm welcome to 39 Regiment who are now a familiar sight around Moray where they regularly attend parades and have become an important part of the community.
“It’s incredible to think that it was exactly seven years ago that the regiment began to call Kinloss Barracks their home.
“We owe them a great debt of gratitude for everything they do and I’m sure they will remain here for a long time to come.”E
