Kids have a great time running round the castle, so I’d always imagined that it would have been fun to grow up within its walls. It certainly was for little Kay Boyde who I had the pleasure of chatting to the other day.

Her dad, Richard ‘Paddy’ Boyde, was among the most respected and decorated soldiers in the British Army. There are many stories about this 6’ 3” Irish-born Argyll and Sutherland Highlander. One tells of how he inspired the men during the bitter struggle when they crossed the Rhine during World War II. Going into battle Paddy began to sing Abide with Me, and the hymn was soon taken up by 1,000 men as they fought their way to victory.

Some years later, as Regimental Sergeant Major, Paddy and his wife Catherine were posted to Stirling Castle where they lived in a house that is now a shop and office area. So from the mid-1950s to the early 60s the castle was home and playground for Kay and her older brother John. It seems they were treated like unofficial mascots, and spoiled rotten by the troops. The cooks used to provide treats and there were lots of little gifts at Christmas.

Kay and John spent lots of time exploring. They also loved to imitate the soldiers, using sticks as rifles and marching up and down. They also had fun grooming and feeding Cruachan II, the Shetland pony which was the official regimental mascot. At Hogmanay their parents opened their doors to other ranks and officers alike. An especially fond memory is of the day when the two children led the troops onto the esplanade when the Queen came to Stirling to present the regiment with its new colours.

This being the army new postings were always round the corner and at the age of nine Kay and her family moved to France when her father was assigned to SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) near Paris. Kay eventually became a district nurse and worked in Glasgow. Over the years she has met a number of Argylls who served with her dad, including former batmen who sometimes looked after her as a child. She was prompted to contact us after hearing about the little photographic exhibition about the regiment’s role at the castle which is in the Nether Bailey until the end of January. And even though the last Argylls marched away in 1964, the castle is still home to the Regimental Museum, which has a huge range of fascinating memorabilia.

Matthew Shelley, Stirling Castle communications

If you have a story about the castle contact Matthew.Shelley@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

To find out more about RSM Boyde see the Helensburgh Heroes website