Back in uniform... Ruth Davidson is made honorary colonel of her old regiment
RUTH Davidson told of her joy yesterday after being appointed Honorary Colonel of her former Army regiment.
Ruth Davidson was formerly a member of 32 Signal Regiment
The Scottish Tory leader, formerly a member of 32 Signal Regiment, will fill the post for the next five years and will be asked to act as a figurehead, and counsellor and supporter for its leadership team.
She was asked to take on the role because of her work in the Territorial Army before she became an MSP, and her consistent support for the reserve forces during her period in parliament.
I loved my time in uniform and am so grateful for everything it taught me
The specialist regiment commands squadrons in Edinburgh, East Kilbride, Glasgow, Belfast and Darlington. She previously served with HQ Squadron in Glasgow.
The post of Honorary Colonel is more usually filled by a retired senior military officer or member of the royal family, but can be undertaken by public figures, with historian Dan Snow and musician Jools Holland having been appointed to other regiments in the past.
Ms Davidson said she hoped her appointment would help promote Armed Forces Day
Visiting serving soldiers at Edinburgh Castle, Ms Davidson said she hoped her appointment would also help promote Armed Forces Day.
She said: “I loved my time in uniform and am so grateful for everything it taught me. I am delighted to have been asked back to my former regiment to act as its Honorary Colonel for the next five years.”
She did work in the Territorial Army before she became an MSP
The regiment provides vital communications support and information management to the armed forces, emergency services, and local government agencies in times of crisis such as terror attacks and natural disaster.