A Scottish soldier who'd seen the glory tells story of his pony

A SCOTS soldier who was wounded in Afghanistan has told of his pride in his role as keeper of his regiment's beloved mascot - the Shetland pony Cruachan.

- BY NEIL POORAN

Mane man... Corporal Stewart with pony Cruachan

Ahead of a busy year of public ceremonial engagements, Corporal Rory Stewart said Cruachan cheers the hearts of troops in the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Often when the Scottish regiment takes part in ceremonial events, Cruachan is seen alongside the soldiers on parade.

He is the fourth in his line to bear the title of regimental mascot and is believed to have met Queen Elizabeth II more times than any soldier in the British Army.