By Pony Major Rory Stewart
Meet Corporal Cruachan IV! Cruachan is the beloved Regimental Mascot for the Royal Regiment of Scotland, a role he took on after his predecessor – Cruachan III – retired from service, aged 23, on the last night of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2012. The tradition of a black Shetland pony as mascot for the Regiment originated from our antecedent regiment, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. It dates to 1929 when Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, presented the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders with a black Shetland gelding. The name 'Cruachan' comes from Ben Cruachan, an iconic mountain in Argyll and Bute and is also the battle cry of Clan Campbell. The original Cruachan continued to serve as the mascot until his retirement in the late 1930s.
Keeping Cruachan IV company every day is his best friend Uncle Nightcap. Cruachan IV was gifted to the Regiment in 2012 and Nightcap was gifted to us in 2018, both generously given to us by the Clothie Stud in Dyce, with whom we still maintain a strong relationship.
Throughout the year you will see Cruachan dressed in his uniform, sporting his medals and hooves shining on such things as Freedom Parades, the Royal Guard at Balmoral Castle, and the Lord Mayor’s Show in London, to name but a few. We also visit schools on occasion and host visits to the stable at Redford Barracks where you can see both ponies in their paddock (usually completely filthy). You can also step in to see Cruachan’s display room, which is mighty impressive in itself. Both Cruachan and Nightcap are also shown at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Turriff Show and at the Breed Show, where they’re always very popular and usually do quite well! This is a team effort and the Regiment are incredibly grateful to the Clothie team for their continued support.
Both of the hairy gentlemen keep the Pony Major busy and entertained, if they’re not munching on their hay they will be relaxing, rolling around, winding each other up or on watch waiting for a treat! Both ponies absolutely love attention: Cruachan only appreciates it when on his terms, but Nightcap is always happy to take the extra belly rubs.
To keep up to date on what we get up to, give Cruachan a follow on Instagram. He also replies to messages on there, just be patient as he can be slow at typing because of lack of fingers!
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