English: Pictured is The Royal Regiment of Scotland's only four-hooved Lance Corporal, after earning his second stripe!

Scotland’s most famous Shetland Pony, the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s mascot, Lance Corporal Cruachan IV, can now add another stripe to his ceremonial uniform. He’s been promoted to Corporal! Cruachan, 9, is based at Edinburgh’s Redford Barracks and has been the official Mascot of the regiment since his current stablemate and companion, Cruachan 3rd retired in September 2012 after more than 20 years in the role.

His handler, Pony Major Mark Wilkinson, has been with him since then and has trained him in the drill and etiquette skills required for his high-profile ceremonial role. Since taking on the job, Cruachan and Mark have led countless parades and attended hundreds of regimental events all over the world, including many in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and other members of the Royal Family.

They have also appeared in front of hundreds of thousands of audience members at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, where they have led the Guard of Honour at the show’s spectacular finale on many occasions. His military career has not been without controversy, however. This summer, Cruachan made headlines all over the world, when he was caught on camera attempting to eat Her Majesty’s posy of flowers at an official visit to Stirling Castle, for which he received a royal telling off. The use of mascots in the British Army began in the 18th century when regiments used animals to work with them, bringing luck, strength and moral. Now they are treated in many ways like any other soldier and share the camaraderie and danger of their human colleagues.

The British Army has both official and unofficial mascots. Unofficial mascots are fed and housed at regimental expense or taken ‘on the strength’. Official mascots are entitled to the services of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and looked after with public money.

Official mascots also have a regimental number and rank. As with human soldiers, they can even be promoted and demoted!

Some of these mascots have connections to their regiment's home county. Others symbolise part of their unit's history.

• Consent Held*
• Organization: Army
• Object Name: APOSCOT-2017-0054-Cruachan_III_Promotion -0129
• Category: MOD
• Supplemental Categories: Horses, Animals, Army, People
• Keywords: Consent Held, CONSENT, Stable, Royal Regiment of Scotland, Shetland Pony, Cruachan, Promotion, Horse, Equine, British Army, Stables, Scotland, Army, Mascot, Regiments, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
• Country: UK