The Royal Regiment of Scotland soldiers to play in Kings Coronation

Ryan Steele, 29, from Auchenheath will join Declan Tytler, 26 from Penicuik, Graeme Thompson, 22 from Eyemouth, and Ryan McAllister, 22 from Inverclyde as they join the band of 100 soldiers playing at the global event. 

The Royal Regiment of Scotland soldiers, who previously played roles in the Queen’s funeral, will be taking time out their gruelling schedule to drum, pipe and march in the fitting Royal tribute. 

Though the boys admitted that the balance of soldiering responsibilities and learning the new music has been difficult, they 'wouldn't have it any other way'. 

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Piper Ryan said: "It’s a juggling act to say the least.

"The lead up to the Coronation is certainly nothing like the ceremony and pageantry that you’ll see on the day.

"In fact, it’s a pretty quick transition from being in armoured vehicles and walking around in full 30kg kit in sweltering heat to being polished and presentable, stood in front of our new King."

Drummer Declan added: "I think it can be easy for the public to forget the other things we do when we aren’t on their screens.

"Yes, we perform at ceremonial events, but most of the time we’re either training, out on deployment, or jumping into whatever mission or military aid we’re needed for.

"And when this is the case, drumming just isn’t on the mind."

Graeme and Ryan McAllister will be involved in the ceremonial marching part of the parade.

The pair have not long come back from an intensive six-week long NATO readiness test, which saw more than 1,000 soldiers undertake hundreds of hours of training, tracking an ‘enemy’ across the vast area with hugely challenging terrain, weather and obstacles, including mine fields and enemy camps.

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Ryan said: "Finding time to practice for the Coronation has had to fit in around a seriously busy few months full of exercises and our wider combat training regime. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

"I joined the army for the challenge and the opportunities it brings, and getting to step into these events that will be marked in the history books forever is definitely a bonus. It’s something I never thought I’d be doing when I signed up."

While Graeme added: "It’s gruelling. There’s very little time for a break and you never know what’s coming round the corner at any point. There’s no bed or restful sleep at the end of a day either – it’s constant.

"We set up tents and slept outside in the hours we could manage, but with the low March temperatures and the next test always around the corner, you’re in a perpetual state of being on red alert."