THE Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association will parade through the city centre on Saturday 29 April as they are awarded Liverpool’s highest civic honour.
They are being granted admission to the Freedom Roll of Associations and Institutions, and will form up on Exchange Flags at 10am, before making their way to Liverpool Parish Church for a special service.
The organisation was formed in 1930 to provide support to soldiers from the 10th (Scottish) Battalion, The King’s (Liverpool Regiment), who had served in the first world war.
They provided social activities and welfare, honouring the work of Captain Noel Chavasse VC and Bar MC – one of only three men to receive the Victoria Cross twice.
The first Chairman of the Association, Lt Col Donald Farmer VC MSM, used his connections to assist his members, helping some find work during the depression and raising money to provide financial support for others.
This benevolent role has been a constant throughout the existence of the Association, with support being provided to veterans from Liverpool, in conjunction with other established military charities, from the 1930s to the present day.
The Association also provides a means for the camaraderie, which soldiers experienced during their service, to continue into civilian life. This culminates in an annual reunion dinner, at which funds are raised to support local Liverpool military and civilian charities.
Since formation, members of the association have contributed to the life of the City of Liverpool by taking part in a range of annual civic events, including the annual Lord Mayor’s Parade, the Queen’s Jubilees, Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Their most visible manifestation is the Association Pipes & Drums who provide support to the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff and Lord Mayor as well as attending many local events and schools to assist with their individual fundraising efforts.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Roy Gladden said:
“The Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association has provided more than 90 years of service to former service personnel and is a deserving recipient of the Freedom of Liverpool.
“Their role in providing welfare, benevolent and social support to ex-soldiers is absolutely crucial and should not be underestimated. They are part of the rich tapestry of organisations in Liverpool who do so much to support others.
“I am delighted to be conferring admittance to the Freedom Rolls of Associations and Institutions as a mark of the city’s gratitude for their work.”
Major Roy Boardman, Chairman of the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association, said:
“I and my fellow members of the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association are grateful to the City of Liverpool for granting this honour to our Association.
“It is so gratifying to know that the work that the Association has done, and continues to do, to support our members together with the contribution we make to the life of the City, has been recognised in this way.”