A Shetland pony – once described by the Queen as her favourite – has received his official Veterans Badge after almost two decades of military service.
Cruachan III, a black Shetland stallion who stands at just 9.1 hands (3ft), was presented with his badge by Major Oliver Dobson, officer commanding Balaklava Company 5 SCOTS (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh yesterday.
Maj Dobson said: “Its a huge pleasure to present Cruachan III with his Veterans badge after 19 years of dedicated service.”
He was bought by the officers and soldiers of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 1995, and was adopted as mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2009.
The 24-year-old pony, who is 70 in human years, has led the Royal Regiment of Scotland at dozens of Highland Games, fairs and military parades, including leading the regiment at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Following his retirement, his official duties have been taken over by Cruachan IV, a slightly larger pony.
Handler Pony Major Corporal Mark Wilkinson said: “Even on public duties now, Cruachan IV prefers his pal to be with him, last week we had both on the Opening of The General Assembly of The Church of Scotland at the Palace of Holyrood. The old fellow could be heard ‘neighing’ for his pal a quarter of a mile away during the parade.”
His predecessor, who once ate a bunch of the Queen’s flowers as she spoke to him, famously enjoyed a beer and Cruachan III continued the tradition by enjoying a can of his favourite Bellhaven Best at the ceremony.
He will now spend more time out in the fields of his home barracks with Islay, his companion and fellow Shetland Pony.