Cruachan Bench, Gowan Hill, Stirling, Scotland
In 1929 a Shetland pony was gifted by Princess Louise, the Regiment's first Colonel-in-Chief. Originally named "Tom thumb", it was decided the pony should have more imposing name, so he was renamed "Cruachan" after the battle cry of the Campbell Clan (who had raised the Argyllshire Highlanders in 1794)
If we look back at the history we see there were popular and well-loved Shetland pony mascots: Cruachan I, Cruachan II, Cruachan III, and Cruachan IV.
More here:
argylls.co.uk/theregimentalmascotnamesafterabattlecry/
Cruachan II was stationed at Stirling Castle, he was presented to the Regiment in 1952 by Mrs Betty Hyde. Cruachan II became the new regiment mascot just in time for him to march at the head of the Battalion on the Unit’s return from the Korean War and the Far East. At this parade, tens of thousands of people lined Princes Street in Edinburgh to welcome the men home to Scotland and Cruachan II behaved excellently despite it being his first public appearance. He was taller than Cruachan I and he liked to be outdoors, normally grazed on a hill throughout the year.
His routine included visits to the wards of the local hospital and as a reward he would have one or two beers that he could finish in seconds. He also got to travel to many countries including Germany and Cyprus with the Battalion, and he famously bit through a glove worn by Queen Elizabeth when she went to pet him during a parade. Cruachan II retired in 1979 until he died five years later in 1984.
Happy Bench Monday!
Cruachan Bench, Gowan Hill, Stirling, Scotland
In 1929 a Shetland pony was gifted by Princess Louise, the Regiment's first Colonel-in-Chief. Originally named "Tom thumb", it was decided the pony should have more imposing name, so he was renamed "Cruachan" after the battle cry of the Campbell Clan (who had raised the Argyllshire Highlanders in 1794)
If we look back at the history we see there were popular and well-loved Shetland pony mascots: Cruachan I, Cruachan II, Cruachan III, and Cruachan IV.
More here:
argylls.co.uk/theregimentalmascotnamesafterabattlecry/
Cruachan II was stationed at Stirling Castle, he was presented to the Regiment in 1952 by Mrs Betty Hyde. Cruachan II became the new regiment mascot just in time for him to march at the head of the Battalion on the Unit’s return from the Korean War and the Far East. At this parade, tens of thousands of people lined Princes Street in Edinburgh to welcome the men home to Scotland and Cruachan II behaved excellently despite it being his first public appearance. He was taller than Cruachan I and he liked to be outdoors, normally grazed on a hill throughout the year.
His routine included visits to the wards of the local hospital and as a reward he would have one or two beers that he could finish in seconds. He also got to travel to many countries including Germany and Cyprus with the Battalion, and he famously bit through a glove worn by Queen Elizabeth when she went to pet him during a parade. Cruachan II retired in 1979 until he died five years later in 1984.
Happy Bench Monday!