Soldiers from 5 Scots will march through the city for the last time on Tuesday, June 25, in a moving parade to mark their departure from Howe Barracks.

Under army restructuring, the battalion has been reduced to a single company and is due to start leaving next month.

The parade forms part of the battalion’s farewell to the city, which has been its home for the last 10 years.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Neil Den-Mckay said: “This is our chance to say farewell and thank you to the people of Canterbury who have made us feel incredibly welcome in our adopted home.

“Although it will be a day of mixed emotions, we will march with our heads held high to show our pride at being awarded the honour of the Freedom of the City of Canterbury and our immense gratitude to its people.”

The parade will set off from Canterbury West station at 10.40am with bayonets fixed, swords drawn and colours flying to the sound of the Battalion Pipes and Drums and accompanied by the Regimental Mascot Cruachan IV, a Shetland Pony, to Canterbury Cathedral, where a private farewell service will take place.

The barracks is expected to be vacated by August and the Ministry of Defence will sell off some of the site for housing.