Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
Royal Navy Reservists parade through Dunfermline to mark milestone
10 October 2024
Royal Navy Reservists celebrated the 30th anniversary of HMS Scotia with a parade through Dunfermline – the first time the unit paraded since city status was bestowed on the area.
With the Lord-Lieutenant of Fife as guest of honour to take the salute, the ship’s company were joined on parade by past Scotians, and members of HMS Claverhouse and HMS Camperdown - the three units which merged to form HMS Scotia in 1994.
Reflecting on the day HMS Scotia’s Commanding Officer, Surgeon Commander Rob O’Donnell, said: “It was wonderful to see so many former members of Scotia’s ship’s company return to the unit to celebrate our 30th anniversary. As well as giving us a chance to thank them for their Service, it also reinforced the fact that the Royal Navy Reserve offers our people the opportunity to make friends for life.”
In the post-Cold War defence review of 1994, the modern HMS Scotia was formed at Pitreavie Castle before moving to the unit’s current site at HMS Caledonia in 1996, but the original HMS Scotia traces it’s formation to 1960 in Dunfermline.
It was therefore fitting for the unit to celebrate by parading through Scotland’s newest city, accompanied by the Royal Marines Band Scotland. There was even an opportunity to recreate a historic photo of the unit.
Retired Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service Captain and ex-Scotian Julie Thain-Smith said: “What a glorious day, full of pride in our Service and celebrating HMS Scotia. It’s not every day you have the opportunity to march through the City of Dunfermline with new and old oppos led by the RM Band Scotland playing Heart of Oak. Marking 30 years since HMS Scotia’s rededication, having joined there from HMS Claverhouse, until leaving to join the Royal Navy full-time in 1998, I am hugely proud of my grounding and service in the Royal Naval Reserve.”
Commodore Tom Knowles, Naval Regional Commander Northern England and the Isle of Man, and former commanding Officer of HMS Scotia, said: “Reservists from HMS Scotia provide essential support to the Royal Navy and Defence both at home and abroad. In return, the Royal Navy Reserve provides our people with the opportunity to serve their country, challenge themselves, travel the world, learn new skills, enjoy adventure and make friends for life.”
HMS Scotia is the Royal Naval Reserve unit for the East of Scotland, with 100 reservists in the ship’s company, the unit trains and develops them in order to support their regular colleagues with many provide niche capabilities to the Royal Navy.