THE Royal Scots Borderers marked the end of an era in Edinburgh with a Flag Changing Ceremony at Dreghorn Barracks.

During the ceremony the 1 SCOTS battalion flag was lowered and piped down. Thereafter the 3 Rifles battalion flag was raised and bugled up.

It marked the official departure of the Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 Scots) who are now located in Northern Ireland.

The Commanding Officer of 1 SCOTS, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Munro said: “Monday 11th August 2014 marks the end of an era for the Royal Scots Borderers in Dreghorn Barracks and also in Edinburgh.

"Home to the Royal Scots Borderers since 2006, Dreghorn Barracks and Edinburgh are synonymous with the history of this battalion and that of our antecedent Regiments; The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) and The King’s Own Scottish Borderers.

“The Royal Scots Borderers depart Edinburgh with very fond memories of the last eight years. Despite the battalion’s departure from Edinburgh, our long association with this fantastic city will continue."

A small team of soldiers from the battalion will remain in Edinburgh in order to recruit the next generation of Royal Scots Borderers, and the memory of their fallen will be remembered on the memorial stone in Dreghorn Barracks.

Lieutenant Colonel Matt Munro added: “Of course, we look forward to a bright and exciting future in our new home in Northern Ireland.”