Highlanders army battalion formation marked with Moray event at Telford Bridge, Craigellachie

Three decades since the formation of army battalion The Highlanders has been marked at a ceremonial event.

Scots soldiers recreated a meeting of the Gordon Highlanders and Queen’s Own Highlanders, which took place at the Telford Bridge, Craigellachie, in September 1994 and led to the formation of The Highlanders.

Veterans met with current Scots soldiers on Tuesday, September 17, to honour The 4th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 Scots)’ past, present and future.

Thirty years ago, thousands of people lined the streets to pay their respects to the regiments that were being amalgamated.

A symbolic meeting of the Gordon Highlanders and Queen’s Own Highlanders on the Telford Bridge marked the final meeting of the two regiments.

The bridge over the Spey was chosen as the ceremony’s location in 1994 as it marks the boundary between the respective regiments’ recruiting areas. A formal amalgamation took place the following day in Edinburgh.

The battalion returned to the north-east on Monday, September 16, and will remain in the area until Saturday, September 21.

Today - Highlanders Day - was perhaps the most significant event on their agenda. However, further marches will take place across north-east towns throughout the week.

A total of 95 soldiers and 15 veterans will be piping and drumming through towns and high streets in Nairn, Forres, Buckie and Huntly on Wednesday and Thursday, September 18 and 19.

Locals are encouraged to attend events. Marches will take place in Nairn (11am) and Forres (2pm) on Wednesday and Buckie (11am) and Huntly on Thursday.