On August 6, Her Majesty the Queen was officially received at the gates Balmoral Castle by a honour guard of Highlanders, and their regimental mascot, Shetland Pony Cpl. Cruachan IV.

The pony, Corporal Cruachan, was unable to keep his poise however and left a small mound of manure at his post, directly in the path of the parade march, who carried on nonetheless.

The troops greeting her were drawn from Balaklava Company of the 5th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland. Also present were a bagpipes procession from the Highlanders 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The queen was personally escorted by the officer commanding Major Johnny Thompson during the parade itself.

Her Majesty the Queen is officially welcomed to Balmoral Castle at the start of her annual summer break with a Royal Guard provided by the Balaklava Company, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders & their Mascot the Shetland Pony Cpl Cruachan IV on 6th August 2018. The queen is escorted by the Officer Commanding Johnny Thompson.

Balaklava Company is part of 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (5 SCOTS) The Pipes and drums are from The Highlanders, 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland.