THE community will welcome the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland back from their latest tour of duty. On Friday, October 5, a homecoming parade will take place in Ayr.

Around 400 troops are expected to march through Ayr town centre where large crowds will line the streets.

Leading the way will be Cruachan IV – The Regimental Mascot. The Shetland pony took up his role in October 2012 and follows a long line of ponies dating back to 1929 when the first pony was presented to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

The soldiers along with Cruachan IV will march from Wellington Square at 11:30am, past the Wallace Tower and then on to a civic reception at the Town Hall where some of the soldiers will be presented with operational service medals.

South Ayrshire Provost, Helen Moonie, said: “I’m sure the people of South Ayrshire will be out in force to cheer on the troops.

"I know how much a warm welcome means to the soldiers who can be away for months at a time. This year marks 100 years since the end of the First World War, so it is particularly poignant that we celebrate with those that have returned and remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Lieutenant Colonel D C Close, Commanding Officer said: “2 Scots are looking forward to parading in Ayrshire, which is home for the majority of our soldiers.

"We always appreciate the support from the local community, particularly when the Battalion is deployed on operations overseas, as it has been for the last six months.

“We hope that the sight of local soldiers marching proudly through Ayr with our pipes and drums, Regimental Colours and White Hackles will go some way to thanking the people of South Ayrshire for their continued support and make them proud of their young men and women who volunteer to serve the country”.

11:30am - March off from County Buildings (eyes left at the Cenotaph) via: Pavillion Road, Barns Street, Dalblair Road, Alloway Street, High Street (salute at Dias at Wallace Tower), 11:45am - Parade concludes at Ayr Town Hall A Temporary Restriction Order has been made restricting vehicle access and parking (with the exception of vehicles taking part in the parade).

This will be in place on Pavilion Road, between its junctions with Place-De-SaintGermain-En-Laye and Cassillis Street between 7am and 2pm on Friday, October 5.