Royal Marines March For Freedom Of City

1 November 2014, 11:23 | Updated: 1 November 2014, 12:06

More than a hundred Royal Marines commandos are marching through Glasgow to receive the Freedom of the City.

The elite commandos will then proudly exercise that Freedom with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying in a second march across the city.

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty will award the city's highest honour to Commandant General, Major General Martin Smith who will accept on behalf of the United Kingdom's entire Royal Marine Corps at a special ceremony in George Square.

The Lord Provost said: ''I am proud and thrilled to be granting Her Majesty's Royal Marines the Freedom of the City.

''Glasgow appreciates its military and these select sea soldiers have a special place in our hearts.

''This is a milestone year for the Royal Marines as they celebrate their 350th birthday and our city's historic links with this legendary amphibious regiment, acknowledged as the first and finest in the world.  

''Glasgow is home to the Corps earliest Reserve Unit. The granting of the Freedom of the City is the culmination of a memorable year for the Royal Marines and Glasgow.

''More than 100 commandos will converge on the city including the Clyde based 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group, The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Scotland, veterans and Royal Marine Cadets from the Glasgow area.  

They will march from Holland Street to George Square. The route will take in West Regent Street, Douglas Street and Nelson Mandela Place.  

Major General Smith said: ''The Royal Marines are humbled to have the Freedom of the City of Glasgow conferred and we're looking forward to exercising that Freedom when we march this weekend.  

''I is with particular pride that the commandos will parade through the streets of Glasgow on this occasion, marking this historic milestone in the long history of the Corps and its relationship with the city.

''I am honoured to be able to present my officers and marines to the Lord Provost during this our 350th year and we couldn't be more proud to exercise this honour in Glasgow, a maritime city with which we have such a strong bond.''

Following the Freedom of the City ceremony, the Lord Provost and Commandant General will take the salute as the Royal Marines exercise their Freedom by marching from George Square through St Vincent Street, Renfield

Street, Union Street, Argyle Street, Queen Street, Ingram Street and South Frederick Street before returning to the square.

Comedian Billy Connolly was the last person to receive the honour from Glasgow in 2010.  It is awarded to persons of distinction or persons who have rendered eminent service to the city.