It has been a busy year for Cruachan IV, the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s official mascot.
From attending ceremonial duties to delighting crowds at the Edinburgh and Highland military tattoos, the Shetland pony has had a packed calendar.
So it is little wonder that the four-year black Shetland pony is already getting into the Christmas spirit, by relaxing with his best friend – and predecessor – Cruachan III at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh.
But although he has no official duties to perform over the break, a four-strong team will be making sure he does not indulge too much over the break.
During the army’s Christmas stand down, the team – including Pony Major Corporal Mark Wilkinson – will rotate duties to care for the ponies, and ensure they are fed and watered.
Private Colin Fotheringham, who serves with Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders), is part of the team.
The 36-year-old said: “Cruachan IV and his stable mate, the now retired Cruachan III, need feeding twice a day, we also have to change the water and hay in their stables.
“In addition they need to be groomed, and regularly bathed.
“They also have to be exercised in their field, or by using the extra long lunging rein when we take them for a walk.”
Pte Fotheringham assisted Cpl Wilkinson with Cruachan IV and the other ponies at Balmoral this summer while the Queen was in residence.
“I picked up a lot of tips during the summer when I worked with the Balmoral ponies which are used on the estate in a variety of roles.”
“Looking after both of them is not a chore during the holidays – it’s a pleasure – in fact, a real Christmas cracker.”
Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, presented the first Cruachan to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 1929, a custom which continued when they became the Fifth Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Cruachan IV took on the prestigious title of mascot in 2012, when his predecessor – who once cheekily munched the posy of flowers the Queen was carrying – retired at the grand old age of 23.
He has a stripe of a Lance Corporal and two medals, one for the Regiment’s service in Afghanistan and the other for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
