Emotional Edinburgh Garrison Sergeant Major says goodbye to Scotland

The outgoing Edinburgh Garrison Sergeant Major has paid an emotional tribute to the people of Scotland as he reflected on his time in the role.
Warrant Officer 1st Class Anthony Gibson from the Scots Guards took over the post in May 2021 and his responsibilities included overseeing the British Army's ceremonial duties in Scotland for the Queen's death last year.
He said interacting with the crowds is what he will miss most, adding: "I'm not a Scotsman, but Scotland, Edinburgh, will forever be in my heart, always."
More: www.forces.net...
#forcesnews #britisharmy #scotland #edinburgh #scotsguards
Subscribe to Forces News: bit.ly/1OraazC
Check out our website: forces.net
Facebook: / forcestv
Instagram: www.instagram....
Twitter: / forcesnews

[@simplechristian2438]

I remember meeting the warrant officer during the Edinburgh tattoo last summer, I now stand 1 year before my own enlistment to the British army and would like to say that my meeting with him was a dining experience in my journey. I plan on serving in the royal regiment of Scotland which was inspired by the excellent parade he and his men designed and worked so hard on. Thank you for your service warrant officer 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@twigman8806]

Join the Scots Guards instead mate. Miles better.

[@ambasteir8316]

Do yourself a favour and don't join the infantry. If you really want to join the Army, get a trade. You'll come out with nothing from the infantry, if you do minimal service. Some brilliant times, great social times but nothing worthwhile to take back to the real world. Merchant navy is way forward.

[@drsexambulance2111]

​@@twigman8806 or the 'RAF REGT'

[@rickyb5499]

I would advise Guards, if you are intent on Soldiering and Infantry 👍🇬🇧

[@lochlainnmacneill2870]

As an ex Argyll & Sutherland Highlander, You are a member of the Scottish Military Brotherhood. Respect RSM.

[@TooEssgee]

Well done Sir, you have been a credit to the Scots Guards throughout your time as Garrison Sergeant Major at the Castle, and particularly during the momentous events of the past year. Always the smartest man on parade, and an example to all. As a former Scots Guardsman I wish you well in your next endeavour.

[@rjochheim]

Thank you for your service

[@lewissmith3896]

I 2nd that.

[@humbaba_7730]

@@lewissmith3896im American but I’ll 3rd that. 🙏🏼

[@charlottecunningham2141]

@@humbaba_7730American here and I fourth it

[@firkinflyer]

This chap was the GSM last June when i and other fellow Falklands veterans marched through Edinburgh as part of the 40th anniversary of the Falklands war last June . A thoroughly nice bloke even for a scary SM, i do believe he is making the jump to officer, well deserved and good luck to him in the future. BZ.

[@eugenetay163]

P

[@peregrinepete]

What a Trooper 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@pjk1714]

Glad Gibson was given the opportunity and lifetime experience. Beautiful place...

[@garethutting6328]

Nicely done Sir,you've done a great job and upheld the Standard of The Scots Guards and in doing so you've propelled our Regiment to the front.💂‍♂️💂‍♂️💂‍♂️

[@PiperTMTotalWar]

This man embodies everything great about our armed forces. Good Luck to him!

[@Cetegus79]

Who doesn't love Scotland and the Scots once one has been there? :-) Great video and all the best to the old and new Garrison Sergeant Major!

[@mk_gamíng0609]

Wont be that way if the SNP get there way, they will kick you out if your not a pure blood scot

[@danielwhyatt3278]

@@mk_gamíng0609 Oh totally. Really, the SNP are the biggest enemy of Scotland the most in the end.

[@Groindz]

@@mk_gamíng0609 Well that couldn't be further from the truth. The SNP are one of the most left leaning parties in Europe regarding their social policies. Not that I'm saying that's a good thing

[@OldEnglish-]

Hardly

[@simongarthwaite7695]

Not that keen myself would love an Independent England for me the Union has had its day the Armed Forces are probably the only good thing left about it.

[@alec1113]

Well done, son . Scotland will miss you .

[@alanstrachan2458]

Well done Scotland salutes you

[@RomaFraserEngler]

Amen God thank you Scotland is always in my heart

[@anthonypatterson9387]

A very moving posting, spoken from the heart, enjoy the next stage of your life!

[@TacticalTrident7]

Forever welcome to Scotland!.

[@warskye5686]

OUTSTANDING!!!

[@paulritchie5868]

Great example of a Scot’s Guard RSM…Good luck in the future sir.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💂‍♀️

[@trollmeistergeneral3467]

The proper title of the Regiment is the SCOTS GUARDS.

[@jacobkeppler1984]

Congratulations sir good luck what ever you do next

[@GriffithsFfestiniog]

Well done for your service and dedication to your Regiment, posting and for the pride you brought to your role as GSM. The country stands with you and the very difficult circumstances during your tour, for the quality and professional application we salute you and wish you well in your future roles.

[@alanbobbymcguire5099]

A well Kent face on the streets of Edinburgh. Thank you for your service and your welcome in Edinburgh anytime. Haste ye back.

[@garymacdonald7165]

Takes some guts to speak from the heart but he did it,so well done mate!

[@rickyb5499]

What a GSM, top bloke, fantastic soldier. You Sir are the best of the British Army and in life. A total credit to your proud Regiment: Scots Guards, Edinburgh, Scotland and family. A privilege to have seen you work. Cpl A.

[@smokejaguar67]

Thank you sir, you did a great job 👍

[@lucillekean7035]

Congratulations on your great service , May you enjoy the next chapter of your journey. And yes Scotland is beautiful and so special ,my wish is to there once more , once is not nearly enough Bless you LK from Canada ❤😊

[@SJTSTT]

He did a good job. Well done.

[@danielduffy348]

Well done bro 💂‍♂️💂‍♂️💂‍♂️

[@chrismithchrismith]

He sounds as though he hails from Yorkshire (same as me). I have lived in Scotland for over 40 years, and the only difference that I can tell between a Scot and a Yorkie is that they are more generous than us.

[@3footmidgit]

He actually comes from Lancashire.

[@kevinadamson5768]

Probably Lancashire, there's a lot from there when I was in. 😊

[@rajr1032]

Well done, Sir!

[@countalma9800]

Britain must be the last place where the gentleman-officer breed still exists and old traditions are alive. Almost all other European countries lost this after WWI. The US might be the closest to Britain in maintaining traditions and the “officer class”, but America as a culture has never been particularly refined. Britain never ceases to amaze.

[@robnewman6101]

God Bless The British Army.

[@nstim5212]

Great work Gibbo and the very best of luck to Rory.

[@WATTSROBIN]

Ruaridh...he's my nephew.

[@Gill-Leeds]

Thank you sir, we salute you

[@midnightteapot5633]

The best Warrant officer story I ever heard was one about the Sergeant Major of Mons Officer cadet school who spoke to one of the cadets who was a Prince from one of the middle eastern countries and was about to graduate as a commissioned officer. "Tomorrow you will be passing out of Mons as a second lieutenant and I will be saluting you and calling you SIR, but I just want you to know one thing, deep down inside I will always think of you as an idiot!

[@trollmeistergeneral3467]

There are many of these expressions, both from the former Mons Academy and of course RMA Sandhurst. One I always remember from the latter is the CSM (WO2) to the Officer Cadet: “I call you Sir and you call me Sir - the only difference is you damn well MEAN IT!”

[@scottmalpass1427]

The way I heard the story, he said, "I will always think of you as a [ C-word ]".

[@Felix-rising]

He wouldn’t have to call him sir whatever rank he achieved

[@trollmeistergeneral3467]

@@Felix-rising Your comment makes no sense whatsoever. Who wouldn’t call who Sir? I can only speak of my experience at the RMA Sandhurst. Officer Cadets were required to address WO 2s and above as “Sir.” C/Sgts and below were addressed as “Staff” by Officer Cadets. WOs and NCOs addressed cadets either as “Sir” or by their names. (Mr. XXXX - no women cadets at RMA Sandhurst in my day)!

[@Felix-rising]

@@trollmeistergeneral3467 you do not have to salute or refer to as sir any foreign commissioned officer. You have now spun the thread to addressing staff, which is totally different.

[@MrConan89]

Nice. Manchester lad by the sound of his accent. Well done to him.

[@Tommy-Atkins]

I’m going to say more Wigan! judging by his accent !…so Great Manchester at a pinch!🤣🤣👍👌

[@Tommy-Atkins]

Blackburn apparently!…I googled him and an article about him by the BBC back in 2011 confirms this 👍

[@herrickmaster77]

He will be from Blackburn they recruit massively from that area

[@dianacasey6002]

@BrianT troll go back under your bridge.

[@NUFC975]

@@herrickmaster7750% of them are Geordie / mackem I think

[@MrCardinal1965]

Excellence personified

[@williamnoble294]

Excellent as always

[@Valhalla88888]

What a nice Englishman

[@gg-ps1vz]

"but we're not anti-english tho"

[@mirfjc]

@Denise Bond You do realize that Edinburgh and everything south and east to the border is Anglo Saxon, right? Just like the Scots language

[@mirfjc]

Look up the ancient Kingdom of Bernicia. And why the bit cut off by Danelaw became the dominant Scot's culture

[@mirfjc]

@@gg-ps1vz Yeah, only thing ugly about Scotland is the rampant minority nationalist bigotry

[@NUFC975]

@@mirfjcthis guy gets it

[@janethadley9162]

I'm going to miss him

[@channysmith83]

Tony I started seeing you on Jim's channel and you will truly be missed.

[@donnalayton6876]

May God bless you, Sgt Major.

[@jspee1965]

I believe he is taking a Commission in the Scots Guards, as a WO1 GSM he would be commissioned at the rank of Captain following tradition. Bravo sir and very well done indeed.

[@allanirvine7304]

Thanks brother for the service you're a Scotsman to me ma man 👍🏻

[@gunnerman2452]

Top man. I remember him from the days when I fired the 21 guns salutes at the castle.

[@stevemartin8003]

Job well done lad.

[@8ballphil150]

well done sir . i am retired welsh guards . london garrison posting is more prestigious . but scotland has a hell of a lot of history also . i knew black alec and billy mott . great gsms

[@_PJW_]

"I'm not a Scotsman". Yes you are. And the king should make you his personal warrant officer. I would.

[@Keepingitrespectfulmostly.]

Love Scotland, the few occasions I have been lucky enough to be there. My old man was Scottish and I get a sense of being home and very settled when there. If I ever manage to escape England then Scotland is one area I may end up? Scottish women can be extremely moorish too.

[@evelynfullerton9136]

Officer Gibson haste ye back you will be welcome here.

[@FuriousFire898]

Was there 1 month ago Its mad to see it again with forces walking about

[@robertmcqueen289]

Well done Sir, and may your future career bring you many blessings. In the military, the RSM is known as God. The GSM, God's call them God. They are after all the greatest equality experts of all time.

[@johnwatt5921]

I personally think that you are a hounary scotsman and a credit to the British army. Good luck and God bless to you.

[@BadgerBoy59]

Can understand why he's emotional talking about Scotland. I'm English and have lived here for 6 years and I've never met felt more welcomed and at home

[@giovannimosca7303]

Siete stato un orgoglio per la Scozia 😢😢😢

[@reicherosterreicher3486]

It is not a shame crying about loving his home or Fatherland .I personally give him a salute , A brave Soldier deserve it . Well done 🙋🏻‍♂️🇦🇹🇩🇪🎗🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@markshrimpton3138]

Well sir, your surname is most likely to be Scottish in origin. It is an anglicised form of the Scottish Gaelic Mac Gibealláin and can be a sept of Clan Campbell, Clan Buchanan or Clan MacMillan.

[@cherylsemrau7100]

Well done.

[@Ronald7077]

Enjoy your retirement well earned. Hopefully you get a part time job as curator at the castle with your knowledge of the service. It will be hard to make a complete 100% break from military service. I wish you the best of health on your retirement.

[@ThePeteDale]

Lovely way to end a glittering career at the pinnacle of a soldier’s career. Dieu Mon Droit. God and my right!

[@panmina3012]

💂‍♂️💂‍♂️💂‍♂️❤❤❤✌️✌️✌️

[@gbuist1008]

Mentioned in dispatches for his actions in Afghanistan. Some bloke

[@reicherosterreicher3486]

Guter Mann , best regards from Austria🇦🇹🇩🇪🎗🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙋🏻‍♂️

[@Rumbletummy117]

Why does he have to leave when he is so good at his job? What will he be doing next as he seems to love his position so much. What a shame.

[@Tommy-Atkins]

Called retirement! 🤷‍♂️

[@Rumbletummy117]

He doesn't look that old.@@Tommy-Atkins

[@Tommy-Atkins]

@@Rumbletummy117 retirement from the Army not from work per se!…usual term of service is 22 years…if he joined at 18 that’s “retiring “ at 40!…most ex soldiers go on to enjoy secondary careers till they are 65+ etc

[@jamesp8569]

I think he's making the leap from warrant officer to commissioned officer, so he's not retiring.

[@Tommy-Atkins]

@@jamesp8569 excellent news…probably a quartermaster’s commission then ( end up as housing officer! 🤦‍♂️🤣)…..hopefully straight to Captain rather than Lieutenant…the jump from RSM and being king of the Sgt’s Mess to junior officer is bad enough without losing all kudos!! 🤣👍

[@timcolledge6813]

Good man !!! 👍

[@muriellebuckley9065]

Good Luck in your new post.

[@pete49327]

I know the U.K. has several different accents across all its different regions, i.e. standard British, Cockney, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, etc. So what accent was this Sergeant Major speaking? To this American my first reaction was some Irish...correct? I always think and believe truly that the U.K. is my country's best friend and ally, and at same time I have always had the highest respect and admiration for the Scottish troops with all their deeply impressive ceremonial and colorful display of marching in kilts, bagpipes, rifles, the mascot pony, etc. In other words the Scots' military traditions are at the very top imo.

[@jamesjimb]

He has a Lancashire accent. He sounds like he is from Accrington, Burnley or Blackburn. I would love someone to confirm this?

[@Jonathan-tz7ss]

I'd think Yorkshire, the way he says "there" (thur), then again my knowledge of northern English accents isn't the best

[@stephensmith4480]

@@jamesjimb I think I would agree with you there James. I have worked with a lot of lads from that area and he would fit right in there.

[@hamstermo]

lancashire

[@martinboycott-brown1994]

I'm not much good at accents, but to this Englishman he sounds more north-west of England. Or, on a second listening, I suspect Midlands (i.e. around Birmingham). And the UK doesn't have "several" different accents -- it has a very large number. The Wikipedia article on the subject says that "the United Kingdom has the largest variation of accents of any country in the world". Among the most colourful, I would say, are those of Norfolk and the north-east of England. The latter can be quite hard to understand for those who are not from that area.

[@Pembroke.]

Scotland forever

[@philipghio8716]

❤

[@Heyitdave]

i love watching these ceremonies from armies that have been around for thousands of years. the culture, the honor that really represents a rank is a heavy one and a respected one. lmao the us is not this flashy albeit we dont have traditions that date back past the 17000s lmao but damn thats cool to see. lmao sgt major ranking in scotland is tight affff

[@therealslimshady14]

I'm not scottish but really want to join the RRS, can anyone tell me their thoughts on if I can join them, thanks

[@josephturner7569]

Are you kidding? Sign on. You'll never regret it. And you'll become a Scot.

[@therealslimshady14]

​@@josephturner7569 gee, thanks, I thought the Scottish commenters would be mad at me 😂

[@connorlee5873]

He's in the Scots guards join them miles better can even do p company and be part of 2 para

[@NB-xq4qt]

love the video where he corrects the officer giving orders with a "no they won't sir" when officer calls out the wrong order.....

[@peterhoughton3770]

funny place scotland - i felt the same when i left. Well done sir.

[@SimonWallwork]

Top chap.

[@phoebebrown2883]

Where is he going now?

[@Tourist1967]

Mandatory retirement at 55.

[@demobbed688]

@@Tourist1967 He joined a couple of years after I did so is not quite 55 yet but this is most likely the end of his 22.

[@Tourist1967]

@@demobbed688 On reflection, he looks in good fettle for a 55-year-old. Mid to late 40s, then?

[@phoebebrown2883]

@@Tourist1967 All that experience wasted.

[@Tourist1967]

@@phoebebrown2883 I am sure he will have taught his people well.

[@Pinky_Staines1947]

He is a Warrant Officer Class One. There are no First class or Second class warrant officers in the armed force's😐

[@johnhutchison2268]

Gibson is a good Border Scot’s surname

[@matthewpowell6516]

Just like that after you're retired you're back to civvy street and revert back to being a Mr and after a so long you're just forgotten about the forces can be cruel like that. one day you're their one day you're gone.

[@Jeffybonbon]

In the forces we all have a sell by date and in a few years they will say Sgt Major Who? once you walk out of the gate your on your own and you arrive back in life where you started ? you will have memories with great friends and a few bits of worthless medals from battles of actions which a soon forgotten by the public our service is like a hand in a bucket of water remove you hand from the water and the bucket of water looks as if you had never been there From Hero to Zero But i think its worth serving just remember your nothing special when you leave

[@grahamprice3230]

A “few bits of worthless medals” oh dear does serving your country mean so little to you?

[@qboxer]

What a profoundly grim and dispiriting view on service. Please keep your head up. Your service meant something to the nation, whether or not individual civilians think so, it was important and it was worth it. Cheers and God bless.

[@Jeffybonbon]

@@grahamprice3230 I see service men living in doorways with medals we treat our servicemen badly we give every thing to serve but we are soon forgotten what hurts more is the services for get who we are when we leave Try walking into and army camp after you leave and you will not get in Every veteran should have been awarded the jubilee meadel for there service to the queen hope you see my point

[@Jeffybonbon]

@@qboxer I only served 5 years and thank you for your kind words and thoughts

[@qboxer]

@@Jeffybonbon I sincerely wish you the best. We do need to do better by our veterans, but it doesn’t invalidate what you did.

[@mikeschumacher9715]

A Warrant Officer can be a Sergeant Major?

[@derekowens1817]

In the British Army, Company Sergeant Major post would be a WO2 (although I briefly filled the post as a Sergeant at one Unit), RSM, SSM and GSM would be a WO1. D

[@Tommy-Atkins]

Warrant Officer would be his rank…..his “appointment” would be Sgt Major or in his case the Garrison Sergeant Major ( GSM )

[@jimmyhillschin9987]

Nice. Except he keeps on talking about Scotland as a 'state', which is rather inconvenient for the state he's actually meant to be representing - and inaccurate.

[@8223Mike]

Absolutely right, I noticed that too. It was the one jarring note in the video.

[@davidthomas6566]

Thank god Cranky has gone...

[@angloaust1575]

A gordon for me etc!

[@sleepyrasta14820]

He could always go back to visit when he gets some leave

[@L1ghtOn3]

It's a shame more Englishmen and the "English" don't love Scotland as much as this chap. This is the problem for the Union and why the SNP has such a high following, now we see media backlash and the SNP dragged through the mud every day in the media over a few quid, just to keep the Union in place! It's simple it's in the bible Love Thy Neighbour! I've had some great English friends over the years and it's a shame, if we can get on, why can't the powers that be? Scotland needs a little more power bk and needs to feel its self worth, not just places like Edinburgh as a tourist destination. The whole Union needs looked at again and using wars to bring the Union closer is a terrible idea as well, as they do that as well when times are tough etc. If we aren't careful not only Scotland but England will lose its Identity as well and the Union will end up breaking up either by politics or by sheer force of rebellion. The people aren't stupid and they can see what is going on today, I don't even know half my street now and they have all been put there from supposed countries "in need". But it has changed the face of the landscape and not one smile or hello, and we think getting on with our neighbours the English can be hard? Aye just wait until you are a stranger in your own country...then it will be too late! Time to act now down South...or is it too late already? Looking at Downing St, I'd say yeah pretty close to being too late!

[@TripDownBritishTown]

He may of grew up in England and born there but his surname is Scottish

[@GlasgowCelticforever1888]

Exactly what I was thinking. Gibson is a Scottish name.

[@arivanilla]

But you didn't say where he is going... retired?

[@giuseppinavolpe2873]

And Now where are you going?

[@trollmeistergeneral3467]

If he is not a Scotsman, what on earth is he doing serving in the Scots Guards?

[@murrayscott9147]

You don’t have to be Scottish to join the Scot’s guards🤡 it’s the British Army it’s all integrated🤡

[@justonecornetto80]

Churchill was a colonel in the 6th Royal Scots fusiliers during WWI and MP for Dundee despite not having one single drop of Scottish blood. We are British. What`s your point?

[@trollmeistergeneral3467]

@@justonecornetto80 I hardly think you can compare a member of the nobility, a former First Lord of the Admiralty, (Winston Churchill), with a Warrant Officer in the Scots Guards. And I am not being disrespectful in any way, shape or form to the latter. I repeat my question. What is an Englishman doing as an enlisted man in the Scots Guards?

[@NUFC975]

@@trollmeistergeneral346750% of Scot’s guards are Geordie / mackem. We have always been in Scottish regiments it’s to do with culture

[@arceusfart9159]

Where is Scotland going?

[@Tom-bs1em]

The WO is retiring or getting a new posting

[@misterbig9025]

0:19 Yes, we have black Scotts now.

[@elizabethhurtado2829]

🏦💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰

[@kentgrady9226]

I respect anyone who has devoted his or her life to military service. It is, however, quite beyond me to understand why anyone who is not English would be so slavishly deferential to an English monarch. Honestly, it baffles me. Oh well. Different strokes, as they say.

[@AnonAnonAnon]

Hold on to those memories Sir cos when you hit civvie street, that's all you'll have.

[@dotmurphy7279]

With a name like Gibson? Have you have your DNA done? Lots of Scots left centuries ago for jobs or maybe due to land clerances. Or two steps ahead of trouble.

[@johnallen7807]

It is well known that Sergeant Major's do not have a heart! lol.

[@jarjars3261]

I think this fella comes closer to someone with a heart than any Sergeant Major I've ever met, I mean hell he even shows emotions other than disappointment!

[@johnallen7807]

@@jarjars3261 Not a good advertisement for the rank, he'll be calling squaddies "mate" next!!! lol.

[@jarjars3261]

@@johnallen7807 nice xD

[@chriswilson728]

Why is he saying goodbye 😂

[@murrayscott9147]

Because he will no longer be the garrison sergeant major. Are you that blind you cannot see that lol.

[@bdar53785]

No more occupying armies

[@misterd.3450]

now knew RUSSIA is superior in this world❤ EU, UK ,USA so called or i think self called superpowers are just like barking dogs with zero ability. russia rocks ukrain shocks. ❤

[@stevie1234]

Yeh Russia is on top while they are being chased from bakhmut😂😂😂😂

[@misterd.3450]

@@stevie1234 i think you r watching English channels as your reliable source of information 😂😂😂good work keep it up.

[@stevie1234]

@@misterd.3450 So the wagner cheif making videos saying they are being slaughtered and will be pulling out of bakhmut is a payed actor?? 😂😂😂Behave yourself

[@BBob1]

Ah ,we have a troll. probably about six years old by what it writes. Time for bed now child, mummy has your dinner ready, run along.

[@phucknuts.7065]

I loved Edinburgh but ended up posted to fort george and to be honest in my opinion anyone above perth on the map are in bred. An absolute bunch of wallopers.

[@sunrayisdown1690]

Pity England does not love Scotland more, instead it treats it like a colony !

[@kyle-zw2je]

What colony has the ability to rise to the top of British politics?

[@stephennutkin2477]

Nice to know there are some arses who still have the freedom of speech.

[@elias_xp95]

Yeah, it treats it like a colony, that's why it gave it a devolved government and more autonomy.

[@derekowens1817]

​@@elias_xp95 and more money....😂😂

[@1chish]

There is always ONE SNP Braveheart who has to write their usual utter garbage with their usual racist undertones against the 'English'. There are 4 nations in the UK but you select just one. OUTFUCKINGSTANDING! What 'colony' gets 20% more funding per person than anyone of the alleged 'colonisers'? What 'colony' has total independence to manage its own affairs while taking a lion's share of Defence spending of the alleged 'colonisers'? What 'colony' has its £20 Bn a year deficit funded by the alleged colonisers? No Soft Lad the people treating others badly are you Scots. And its always us 'English' you abuse.

[@ylovaht2097]

Strange english in Scotland

[@a11osaurus]

Not really. England is where most of Scotlands immigrants are from