PA MediaIt was “out with a bang” for the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, as he marked the end of his five-and-a-half years in post by firing the city’s famous one o’clock gun.
Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich has held the prestigious role since 2019, during which time he has been the monarch’s representative in the world-famous fortress.
Maj Gen Bruce, who received his first commission in 1979 and saw active service in the Falklands and Iraq, afterwards said “there could be no better way” to mark the end of his tenure than by firing the gun.
His own send-off came shortly after he presided over his last ceremonial event, a 21-gun salute to mark the second anniversary of the King’s accession to the throne, which was fired by members of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and The RAF Regiment.
Immediately after firing the gun, Maj Gen Bruce said: “There can be no better way to end five and a half years as Governor of Edinburgh Castle than by firing the one o’clock gun. Out with a bang.”
He retired from the regular army in 2020, serving at the time as Military Secretary and General Officer in Scotland.
He is now an Army reservist and enjoying a career with the NatWest Group in Gogarburn, Edinburgh.
He said: “It is the end of a career that has gone on for 45-and-a-half years.
PA Media“To have finished here as Governor of Edinburgh Castle and been able to serve not just Elizabeth II but also our King has been such a thrill.
“I’m going to really miss it, you know, but I think what I’ll miss most are the soldiers who serve here and the soldiers across Scotland who see this as the focal point of their service.
“Because Edinburgh Castle is the foundation stone of our martial tradition.”
He said the highlights of his time in a role that can be traced back to 1108 included presenting the key to the castle to the King at the beginning of his reign.
He explained: “That continues a tradition that is at the heart of recognising Scotland’s rights under the Crown, so that carried on something very special.
“Also, presenting the key of this fortress of Elizabeth II.
“But, through it all, the great thrill of meeting soldiers as they come and go, and also saluting the memory of those that have passed, welcoming veterans, and seeing young cadets, their eyes agog to be here, that they have a little bit of the great Scottish martial story in their young veins too.”
Maj Gen Bruce is succeeded as governor by Major General Bob Bruce, whom his predecessor described as “kin of mine, but not a relation”.
His parting advice to the new governor, he said, would be to: “Enjoy the role and represent the soldiers as they are.”
He continued: “Scottish soldiers have, through the generations, provided that assurance to this great realm of Scotland that they will defend the glens, the villages, the cities and the towns, and the people therein to enjoy the lives that they enjoy and to be free people in this great world that we share.”
He added: “I shall be very sad to leave Edinburgh Castle, as it has become my home and I will hugely miss living up here; but, you know, if you leave something and feel you have done your job, it is wonderful to see someone else who has such qualifications for it, taking it on.
“I know that Bob, my fellow Bruce family kin, will carry it on in a wonderful new direction and I wish him well.”
Maj Gen Bob Bruce said of his predecessor: “Alastair has been a superb Governor of Edinburgh Castle through difficult times, including Covid.
“He has set incredibly high standards and I plan to develop his great work”.
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